Rocky Top looking to regulate AI data center locations

Name: Rocky Top looking to regulate AI data center locations
Uploaded: 2026-04-09T20:48:04.000Z
Duration: 48 s
Description: The city of Rocky Top, Tennessee, is proactively looking to regulate the location of future AI data centers within its jurisdiction. City leaders aim to use zoning ordinances to restrict these centers to specific zones, preventing them from being built in residential areas or next to existing businesses. This move is considered important to prevent unwanted developments in the small community.

News Clip0:48WBIR Channel 10·Rocky Top, TN·4/9/2026

The city of Rocky Top, Tennessee, is proactively looking to regulate the location of future AI data centers within its jurisdiction. City leaders aim to use zoning ordinances to restrict these centers to specific zones, preventing them from being built in residential areas or next to existing businesses. This move is considered important to prevent unwanted developments in the small community.

zoninggovernment

Gov: City of Rocky Top

The city of Rocky Top, Tennessee, is taking steps to regulate the placement of future artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Recognizing the booming AI industry, city leaders are moving to establish zoning ordinances that would control where these facilities could be located within the city limits. This proactive approach aims to prepare for potential development in a community where the post office is currently the largest industry.
According to the Rocky Top city manager, future AI data centers would be restricted to a specific zone. The proposed regulations would prevent such centers from being built adjacent to existing businesses or within residential neighborhoods. This measure is considered significant for Rocky Top, as it would ensure preventive measures are in place should a data center developer choose the area.