White County Eyes Zoning for Data Centers
White County officials are considering countywide zoning as a way to regulate where data centers, rock quarries and other industrial uses could locate. Commissioners took no action, and any zoning proposal would require review by the Planning Commission, a public hearing and a two-thirds vote of the County Commission.
White County commissioners heard a presentation about adopting countywide zoning to establish districts, setbacks, lot sizes, height limits and permitted uses for developments including data centers and rock quarries. Senior Planner Adam McCormick of the Tennessee Center for Local Planning said zoning may be the primary legal tool available to control property uses following a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling involving Grundy County.
County Executive Kyle Goff raised concerns about preventing data centers from locating in unsuitable areas. The county has not begun the formal zoning process; the Planning Commission would first review a proposed resolution and map, followed by at least 30 days of public notice and a two-thirds County Commission vote. Officials said the process could take about six months, and a state planning toolkit expected early next year may help guide future deliberations.