County leaders propose six-month moratorium on data centers
Wilson County leaders are proposing a six-month moratorium on data center construction to allow time to develop specific regulations. The County Commission is expected to vote on the moratorium in August, which would address concerns about data centers' resource consumption and noise. There are also discussions about potential zoning code changes, as current C4 zones permit data centers without specific requirements.
Wilson County, Tennessee leaders are considering a six-month moratorium on data center construction to allow time to research and develop appropriate ordinances. The proposal was discussed at a June 22 Wilson County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting, where a resolution to constrain data centers was shelved in favor of the moratorium.
District 18 Commissioner Lauren Breeze has expressed concerns, citing Nashville's struggles with a proposed data center near the zoo and noting Wilson County currently lacks specific regulations for such facilities. Breeze highlighted data centers as "resource hogs for electricity, water and wastewater." Resident Perry Neal also supported the proactive measure, recalling a previous industrial park proposal that listed data centers as a potential use.
Currently, C4 zone properties in Wilson County allow data centers, and multiple such lots exist. Audience members at the June 22 meeting voiced opposition, primarily citing noise from generators. The Wilson County Planning Commission is slated to discuss the moratorium on July 17, with a potential vote by the County Commission on August 17.
County Attorney Mike Jennings has raised concerns that a moratorium might not withstand legal challenges from developers, who have historically overturned such bans. Mayor Randall Hutto is expected to appoint a committee to research data centers and propose zoning code changes.