Morristown TN Passes Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Morristown City Council voted 6-1 to adopt data center zoning rules requiring facilities to be at least 500 feet from homes, schools and occupied government buildings, with all associated equipment housed indoors. The action contrasts with Hamblen County’s one-year moratorium on high-intensity electrical facilities and comes amid regional concerns about data center electricity demand and water usage.
Morristown City Council approved a data center zoning ordinance by a 6-1 vote, establishing a 500-foot buffer from homes, schools and occupied government buildings and requiring related equipment to be located indoors. City officials said the rules are precautionary because no data center applicant is currently seeking to build in Morristown, though the city expects potential applications in the future.
The ordinance differs from Hamblen County’s decision to impose a one-year moratorium on facilities drawing at least 5 megawatts. Council member James Cox favored a moratorium rather than the zoning-first approach. The city already hosts cryptocurrency mining operations associated with Wattum, whose facility is reportedly Morristown Utility Systems’ largest electricity customer.
The debate is occurring as data center power consumption rises across the Tennessee Valley. Tennessee has enacted legislation requiring operators to cover the electric infrastructure costs they create, while the Tennessee Valley Authority approved a dedicated data center rate class with capacity fees and phased cost increases.