Montgomery County approves data center restrictions as residents seek a possible ban
The Montgomery County Commission approved stringent zoning restrictions for future data centers, including limits on setbacks, noise, water use and power consumption. Although some residents are calling for a ban or temporary moratorium, officials have not formally proposed either, and the rules must undergo additional review because of a residential setback provision.
The Montgomery County Commission in Tennessee approved new restrictions for future data centers and expansions, addressing setbacks, noise, water consumption and power use. The rules must return to the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission and then the commission for reapproval after commissioners added residential setback language. Similar regulations may later be proposed for the city of Clarksville.
The article explains that a permanent ban could face legal challenges under Tennessee property-rights protections, while a moratorium could temporarily pause development as officials finalize regulations. No moratorium or ban is currently on the agenda. The county already hosts a Google data center that opened in 2019, and state law requires facilities needing at least 50 megawatts to generate or procure their own power.