Nashville greenlights data center regulations, permit moratorium
Nashville's Metro Council has enacted new zoning regulations for data centers and a moratorium on new permits until December 1st. These actions follow significant public opposition, particularly concerning a DC Blox project near the Nashville Zoo. The council also advanced legislation to potentially acquire the DC Blox property through eminent domain, as existing regulations may not apply to its already-filed permits.
The Metro Nashville Council unanimously approved new zoning regulations for data center development and enacted a moratorium on new data center permits until December 1st. The legislation, sponsored by council member Rollin Horton, includes requirements for distance from sensitive locations, environmental restrictions, and a ban on the largest data centers. The moratorium, initially tied to the zoning bills' passage, was extended by council member Courtney Johnston to allow for further legislative review.
These measures stem from a surge in public interest and opposition to data centers, notably a proposed DC Blox facility adjacent to the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University's plans for an on-campus data facility. Amendments to the zoning bill clarify language, mandate emergency response and power resiliency plans, establish new notice requirements, and require reporting on power and water usage, along with public disclosure of compliance reports.
Separately, Mayor Freddie O'Connell's legislation to acquire the DC Blox property through eminent domain advanced to its second reading. This move is considered necessary because DC Blox had already applied for permits before the new zoning laws, potentially exempting its project from the new regulations. The city aims to purchase the property, which sold for $23 million recently and was valued at $37 million by the county, to use for municipal office space. Council member Quin Evans Segall raised concerns about the financing, requesting a re-referral to the Budget and Finance Committee.
Residents like Emily Otnes expressed that the new legislation is merely the start of necessary restrictions. Other proposed amendments, including those related to decommissioning plans and developer changes, are expected to be revisited as separate legislation.