Future data centers to require public hearing under new rules proposed for Montgomery County
The Regional Planning Commission in Montgomery County, Tennessee, has approved new zoning regulations for future data center projects. These rules include requirements for public hearings, minimum/maximum site acreage, setbacks, and detailed plans for noise, water, and electricity usage. The proposed regulations now advance to the Montgomery County Commission for further consideration.
The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) of Montgomery County, Tennessee, has approved a significant update to zoning regulations that will impose new restrictions on future data center developments. RPC Director Jeff Tyndall explained that the Montgomery County Building and Codes Department initiated the update because data centers are not currently addressed in county or city zoning. The new rules, which define data centers as "permitted on review use" in M-1 or M-2 zoning classifications, require a public hearing for any proposed project.
Key requirements for future data centers include a minimum site of 10 acres, a maximum of 100 acres, and a 100-foot setback for most zones. Developers must also submit a noise plan to ensure noise levels do not exceed 3 decibels over ambient noise or 55 decibels at adjoining property lines. Additionally, proposals must include letters or studies verifying adequate water and electricity supply from municipal sources, surface water sources, TVA, or local utility providers, potentially requiring feedback from TDEC or the EPA.
Tyndall also highlighted a state law passed last year, mandating that owners/operators cover the cost of all necessary utility infrastructure improvements, preventing these costs from being passed on to ratepayers. After RPC approval, the zoning update will now proceed to the Montgomery County Commission for final review. Google, which operates an existing data center in the county, will not be affected by these new rules as it does not plan further expansion for now.