Nashville moves to limit data centers amid backlash, zoo controversy
Nashville planning officials have proposed new regulations to manage the rapid growth of data centers, including a temporary moratorium and a ban on large campus facilities. These measures come amid community backlash, particularly regarding a DC BLOX project near the Nashville Zoo. The proposed ordinances are now moving to the Metro Council for further consideration.
Nashville planning officials have advanced new regulations aimed at controlling the proliferation of data centers within Davidson County. On June 25, the Metro Nashville Planning Commission recommended two ordinances to the Metro Council: a temporary moratorium on new data center development and a comprehensive zoning ordinance sponsored by Councilmember Rollin Horton.
Horton's proposal seeks to define data centers within the Metro zoning code, prohibiting large "campus" facilities exceeding 500,000 square feet or 100 megawatts, while establishing new development standards for smaller projects. Revisions to the plan include a half-mile buffer from transit corridors. The temporary moratorium is intended to pause approvals while the Metro Council evaluates the permanent regulatory framework.
These measures are a direct response to mounting community concerns over surging data center construction. A specific project by Atlanta-based DC BLOX, proposed near the Nashville Zoo, has become a focal point, drawing opposition from zoo officials, residents, and conservation advocates due to potential noise, air pollution, water use, and impacts on animals. Doug Sloan, an attorney for DC BLOX, argued that the public debate is driven by misconceptions and that the facility would comply with noise standards and minimize water consumption.
Another data center proposal from Fisk University, planned as part of a larger Innovation Center, has also come under scrutiny. Fisk officials state their project is designed to avoid negative impacts related to energy, water, noise, and air pollution, having completed a TVA system impact study and confirming no increase in residential electric rates with Nashville Electric Service. Both ordinances are scheduled for further public comment and consideration by the Metro Council on July 7, with Councilmember Horton emphasizing the urgency of enacting regulations before more projects gain permit vesting.