Blount County Commission Requests Restrictive Data Center Zoning Amendments
The Blount County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution requesting the Planning Commission to draft amendments to zoning ordinances for data center and cryptocurrency mining operations. These proposed restrictions include limiting such uses to industrial zones as special exceptions, requiring significant setbacks from residential areas, schools, and churches, and imposing a 60-decibel sound limit at property lines. The process for these changes is expected to take several months.
The Blount County Board of Commissioners, meeting in Maryville, Tennessee, unanimously passed a resolution instructing the Planning Commission to propose amendments to the county's Zoning Ordinances regarding data center and cryptocurrency mining operations. This action follows the approval of the FY2026-27 budget and various capital projects.
The proposed restrictions outlined in the resolution are significant. They suggest that data center and crypto mining uses should only be permitted in Industrial zones, and only as a special exception requiring approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Furthermore, the resolution recommends a mandatory setback of at least 5,000 feet from any Suburbanizing, R-1, R-2, or RAC Zoning District, as well as from any residential dwelling, school, or church. A strict sound limit of 60 decibels at property lines for any emitted noise is also suggested.
If the Planning Commission develops these amendments, they will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for final approval. Officials anticipate that the entire process, from drafting to enactment, will span several months. The board also addressed other county business, including the repair of the Dark Island Swinging Bridge and the defeat of a stormwater quality management amendment.