Nashville council considers data center moratorium after zoo backlash
The Nashville Metro Council is considering a temporary moratorium on data center construction due to a proposed project near the Nashville Zoo. Councilmember Courtney Johnston filed a bill to pause permits until new zoning regulations are established, amidst significant public opposition. A petition against the project has garnered 380,000 signatures.
Nashville's Metro Council is actively considering a temporary moratorium on data center construction, prompted by widespread public concern over a proposed data center adjacent to the Nashville Zoo. Councilmember Courtney Johnston has emergency-filed a bill that would temporarily halt the acceptance, processing, approval, and issuance of permits for data center developments in Nashville and Davidson County.
The proposed moratorium, which passed its first reading with a 26-1 vote, would remain in effect until November 1, 2026, or until Metro establishes new, specific zoning regulations for data centers. Johnston emphasized that the moratorium is intended as an "insurance policy" to prevent projects like the one by DC BLOX from moving forward under the current, undefined zoning code, should permanent regulations be delayed.
The urgency stems from DC BLOX's project already progressing through Metro's permitting process. Councilmember Roland Horton, who is sponsoring separate legislation for permanent data center regulations, acknowledged the need for details to be worked out in the moratorium bill to avoid unintended consequences. The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public comment session regarding Horton's bill.
Public opposition to the data center near the zoo is substantial, evidenced by an online petition with 380,000 signatures. The Nashville Zoo's president has voiced concerns that the proposed location could endanger sensitive animals. An informal poll indicated that 85% of respondents would support a temporary ban on data centers in Nashville.