Millington approves data center moratorium as county, Memphis weigh their own
Millington approved a six-month moratorium on applications for data centers and related industrial-scale computing facilities while the city reviews its zoning rules. Shelby County is considering a separate moratorium for unincorporated areas, and Memphis is weighing its own measure with a final vote expected October 20.
Millington’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an immediate six-month pause on applications for non-grid power generation, accessory computing and industrial-scale computing facilities. The moratorium is scheduled to expire April 12 unless extended and does not affect previously accepted applications; city officials say Millington has no existing data center proposal.
The pause is intended to give Millington time to study the potential development, demographic, aesthetic and community impacts of these facilities and determine how they should be addressed in the city’s zoning ordinance. Shelby County commissioners advanced a separate moratorium for unincorporated areas on a 5-4 first-reading vote, while the Memphis City Council is considering a moratorium after high-density computing facilities have already established a presence in the city. Memphis postponed its final vote twice and is expected to decide on October 20.