Bradley County establishes zoning regulations for AI data centers

Bradley County Commissioners have unanimously enacted new zoning regulations targeting potential AI data centers, even though no official proposals have yet been submitted. The move comes as residents voiced concerns that such developments could disrupt the rural character and way of life within the county. The newly adopted rules impose a 3,000-foot setback requirement, prohibiting data center construction within that distance of any farm, residence, school, or church. Furthermore, any proposed data center project in Charleston, Tennessee, will now require explicit commission approval before construction can commence. This proactive legislative action by the Bradley County Commissioners aims to provide oversight and manage the future development of data centers, addressing community fears regarding the industry's impact on local aesthetics and infrastructure.