Memphis City Council approves data center zoning standards on first vote
The Memphis City Council unanimously approved new data center zoning standards on a first vote as it works to establish regulations for the facilities. A proposed 12-month moratorium remains scheduled for a final vote, amid community concerns about water, air quality, energy use, traffic and property values.
The Memphis City Council approved proposed data center zoning standards on the first of three required votes, beginning the process of incorporating regulations into the city’s Unified Development Code. The standards are intended to address environmental and livability concerns, with additional meetings scheduled to resolve details before a potential final ordinance later in the month.
The council is also considering a 12-month moratorium sponsored by Councilman JB Smiley, who argued that development should pause while the city studies impacts on water, air, energy burdens, traffic and property values. The proposal is scheduled for a third and final vote on Oct. 20. The debate comes as a $575 million permit has been filed to convert the former Fred’s headquarters on Getwell Road into an unnamed AI and technology data center, while roughly 15 data centers already operate in Memphis.