Morristown to consider limits on how, where data centers are built and operated
Morristown officials are considering zoning limits that would restrict data centers to heavy industrial districts and impose additional requirements. The proposed rules address concerns about data center noise, electricity consumption and water use, with the City Council scheduled to discuss the ordinance on second reading.
Morristown City Council is scheduled to consider an ordinance regulating where and how data centers may be built and operated. The proposal, now on second reading, would generally limit facilities—including cryptocurrency mining, artificial intelligence and server-hosting operations—to heavy industrial districts, subject to additional requirements.
The measure reflects broader concerns raised across East Tennessee about the effects of data centers, including operating noise and substantial electricity and water consumption. No final council action is reported in the article.