Metro Council passes first data-center regulations in Nashville. Here’s what changes
Nashville's Metro Council approved the city's first data center regulations, including zoning restrictions and a temporary moratorium, following public opposition to a proposed DC Blox facility. The new rules ban large data centers and on-site power generators, while requiring special permits and closed-loop water cooling systems. Legislation allowing eminent domain for the DC Blox site is also being considered.
The Nashville Metro Council has enacted its first comprehensive regulations for data centers in Davidson County, along with a temporary construction moratorium, in response to significant public opposition. This move, approved on Tuesday night, follows weeks of community pressure, particularly concerning a proposed DC Blox data center adjacent to the Nashville Zoo.
The new zoning bill, BL2026-1391, imposes strict limits on data center development. it prohibits facilities larger than 500,000 square feet and requires smaller proposals to undergo a rigorous approval process, including special exemptions from the Board of Zoning Appeals and public hearings. Large data centers are now confined to heavy industrial zones and must be at least half a mile from sensitive areas like schools, homes, and parks. Furthermore, the legislation bans the use of on-site fossil fuel generators, which were a source of noise and air pollution concerns, while still permitting renewable energy sources. It also mandates the use of closed-loop water cooling systems to mitigate water pollution.
In addition to the zoning changes, the Metro Council passed a temporary moratorium on new data center construction until December, allowing more time to consider further regulatory measures. This moratorium does not affect existing operations but pauses new building projects. Separately, the council advanced legislation proposed by Mayor Freddie O’Connell that could enable the use of eminent domain to acquire the land intended for the DC Blox project. While approved on its second reading, this eminent domain bill has been sent back to the Budget and Finance Committee for additional review.