Metro Council set for final vote on some data center bills
The Metro Council is set to take final votes on three bills concerning data centers, including a proposed moratorium and new zoning regulations with environmental restrictions. Additionally, the Council will consider Mayor O'Connell's legislation for using eminent domain to acquire a property where DC Blox plans to build a data center, bypassing new regulations. Public and council debate continues on these measures and associated amendments.
The Nashville Metro Council is preparing for final votes on three significant data center bills this Tuesday. One bill proposes a moratorium on new data center permits until comprehensive zoning regulations are established. Simultaneously, two linked bills (BL2026-1391 and BL2026-1392), co-sponsored by a supermajority, aim to implement these new zoning regulations, which include distance requirements from sensitive sites, environmental restrictions, and a ban on the largest data centers. Councilmember Courtney Johnston, sponsor of the moratorium bill, has suggested an amendment to extend the moratorium through December 1, irrespective of whether the zoning regulations pass immediately, allowing for further legislative review following a mayor-requested departmental review.
Several amendments to the zoning legislation are under consideration, which could add new regulatory requirements such as enhanced notice procedures and stricter rules on on-site power generation and noise. However, some amendments were not recommended by the Planning and Zoning Committee to avoid delaying the passage of the main legislation, a priority given strong community support.
In a separate but related move, the Council will also review Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s legislation on its second reading, seeking to utilize eminent domain to purchase a property adjacent to the Nashville Zoo. This site was recently acquired by DC Blox for a data center project. The eminent domain action is intended to circumvent the upcoming zoning regulations, which would likely not apply to DC Blox's project due to its prior permit applications. The Mayor's office suggests the property could be used for city office space, though questions remain about the financial implications and necessity of the forced purchase, with the property valued at $23 million last week and $37 million by the county previously.