Caryville board approves ordinance to place restrictions on data centers

The Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved an ordinance on its second and final reading, effectively imposing significant restrictions on any potential future data center developments within the city. The decision, made during a Monday night meeting, followed a public hearing where numerous residents voiced their strong opposition to such facilities. Alderman Lloyd Lawson noted the widespread sentiment against data centers among the board and the public.

The ordinance amends the city's existing zoning regulations to categorize data centers as a "special exception" within the M-1 planned industrial park district. Vice Mayor Josh Monday highlighted the ordinance's critical role, stating that 60 days prior, the city had no measures to control data center activity. He emphasized that the new guidelines are "very strict" and designed to protect the city by preventing unrestrained data center proliferation in industrial areas.

City Attorney Elizabeth Burrell clarified that the ordinance, while not an outright ban, is engineered to be as restrictive as possible without violating constitutional law. She explained that with an 8-acre minimum lot size and substantial setback requirements (150 feet from property lines, 500 feet if abutting residential zones), only one industrial parcel in Caryville would currently qualify. Burrell concluded that by defining these parameters, the ordinance makes data center development "essentially impossible," sending a clear message to potential developers. Additional requirements include a maximum structure height of 48 feet, a 60-decibel sound limit, planted or natural buffer screens, written assurance of adequate power supply, and site plan approval by the planning commission.

The board also approved a separate ordinance to formally define data centers, underscoring their commitment to regulating this industry within city limits.