Bill proposed by Metro Council member looks to restrict some data centers
Nashville Metro Councilmember Rollin Horton has introduced a bill to regulate and restrict data center development in the city. The proposed legislation would ban data centers larger than 500,000 square feet, require public hearings for smaller facilities, and mandate specific setbacks from residential areas. It also addresses environmental concerns by requiring closed-loop water systems and citing potential impacts on the electrical grid and air quality.
Nashville Metro Councilmember Rollin Horton has introduced a new bill aimed at regulating and restricting data centers within the city, citing the rapid growth of AI and technology infrastructure. The proposed legislation seeks to establish "common sense rules" for data center development, as the current Metro Code of Ordinances lacks specific regulations for these facilities.
Horton's bill would prohibit data centers exceeding 500,000 square feet. For facilities under this size, it would mandate approval by the board of zoning appeals and require a public hearing, allowing community input. The legislation also includes setback requirements, stipulating that large data centers must be at least a half-mile away from homes, schools, and zoos due to concerns about loud noises and potential pollution from power generation.
Furthermore, the bill addresses environmental impacts, requiring data centers to utilize "closed loop" water systems to prevent the release of cooling water back into the public supply. Horton highlighted the potential severe burden data centers can place on the electrical system and the pollution risks from gas turbines used for self-generation. More than a dozen council members have co-sponsored the bill, which is scheduled for its first reading on Tuesday, June 2.