Gallatin council shortens proposed apartment, data center moratoriums
The Gallatin City Council held first readings on proposed moratoriums for both apartment and data center construction, ultimately shortening the proposed duration from 12 months to six months for both. The data center moratorium aims to provide city leaders with time to study and categorize different types of data centers. Second readings for both ordinances are scheduled for the next council meeting.
The Gallatin City Council held its first readings on September 15, 2026, for two proposed moratoriums: one addressing apartment construction and another for data center construction. Initially proposing a 12-month halt, the council revised the duration of both ordinances to six months after discussion.
During the public hearing, retired architect Roger Matchett, representing the Gallatin Housing Authority, requested an exemption for their apartment project, citing progress with government agencies. While City Planner Brian Rose expressed general disagreement with an apartment moratorium, Mayor Paige Brown acknowledged the rental market's importance. Councilman Steve Fann suggested the six-month amendment, which passed 4-2.
The council then considered the data center moratorium, with members agreeing it would allow essential time for evaluation. Mayor Brown stated that department heads already reject industries detrimental to citizens' infrastructure, while Councilman Todd Alexander emphasized the need to understand what constitutes a data center. Councilman Fann again moved to amend the data center moratorium to six months, which passed after Mayor Brown used her tie-breaking authority. The council also unanimously approved an amendment clarifying that telecommunication, broadband, network interconnection, or emergency communication infrastructure facilities would be exempt. Second readings for both moratoriums are scheduled for October 6.