Montgomery County advances new rules for future data centers
Montgomery County leaders are developing new rules for future data centers to protect water and power systems and ensure developers cover infrastructure upgrade costs. The Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission has approved these proposed zoning changes, which now await final consideration by the Montgomery County Commission.
Montgomery County, Tennessee, is advancing new regulations for data centers to address their growing demands on local utilities. The Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission recently approved a set of proposed zoning changes designed to protect the county's water and power systems and prevent upgrade costs from being passed on to other utility customers.
These proposed rules would permit data centers only in industrial M-1 and M-2 zones, requiring additional review. Key requirements include utility confirmation of water availability for facilities planning to use public water, or a study demonstrating adequate source capacity for those drawing from surface water. Additionally, data center operators would be held responsible for the full cost of any necessary infrastructure improvements, aligning with a state law aimed at protecting existing utility customers. The measure, which passed the Planning Commission with one dissenting vote, now moves to the Montgomery County Commission for final approval.