Summary
Residents handed the Board Fayetteville's data center ordinance as a model and flagged Arkansas laws (Act 851, 373, 548) that limit local bans, allow construction-work-in-progress charges, and give developers sales tax breaks — urging strong protective language in Fort Smith's draft ordinance.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
State law already exempts data center equipment and electricity from sales tax, limiting local revenue gains.
Residents would get noise, water, and utility protections modeled on Fayetteville's rules.
Residents near potential sites could face noise, traffic, and utility strain if the rules don't include strong safeguards.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Board of Directors - Study Session - Oct 27, 2026
Residents handed the Board Fayetteville's data center ordinance as a model and flagged Arkansas laws (Act 851, 373, 548) that limit local bans, allow construction-work-in-progress charges, and give developers sales tax breaks — urging strong protective language in Fort Smith's draft ordinance.
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - Oct 5, 2026
The city was considering new rules governing where and how data centers can be built in Fort Smith. Data centers would need Planning Commission review and Board approval in industrial districts, plus big setbacks, a screening wall, and proof of utility capacity.
Fort Smith officials to review data center development rules
Fort Smith officials to review data center development rules Talk Business & Politics
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