Charleston planners propose data center moratorium
Charleston, TN planners are proposing a one-year moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities within city limits. This comes amidst ongoing discussions by the Bradley County Commission and resident opposition to proposed data centers in unincorporated areas, citing concerns over noise, electrical and water usage, and environmental impact. The city's moratorium would act as an interim measure while its own zoning ordinance is updated.
The Charleston Municipal Planning Commission has proposed a one-year moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities within Charleston city limits, with a motion made to present an ordinance requiring two public readings at city commission meetings. This action follows discussions by the Bradley County Commission regarding potential data center developments in unincorporated areas outside Charleston, where residents have voiced opposition due to concerns about noise, electrical and water usage, and impacts on area wildlife and safety.
The planning commission considered a recently approved moratorium in Hamilton County and regulations being studied by the Sweetwater City Commission. While opting for a moratorium plan over immediate regulations, questions were raised about its potential effect on a proposed data center in unincorporated Bradley County and the city's ability to use Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Planning Director Chad Reese of the Southeast Tennessee Development District office noted that recent state law changes make ETJ certification difficult for cities and that the county would likely oppose such a move.
Charleston City Manager Kristina Booher clarified that the moratorium would be an interim measure, delaying any permanent decision while the city updates its own zoning ordinance. Meanwhile, the Bradley County Commission has already updated its zoning regulations for data centers in response to a potential facility near Walker Valley High School. A second potential site near the B&B Marina also drew citizen concerns.
The Bradley County Planning Commission met separately and did not address data centers, instead denying a variance request for a bridge leading to an 8-home subdivision. The proposed Charleston moratorium would only apply to properties within city limits, leaving any proposals outside the city to the Bradley County Planning Commission and Bradley County Commission.