Nashvillians Push for Strict Data Center Regulations | Pith in the Wind | Nashville News
Nashvillians are actively pushing for strict regulations on data centers, prompting a Metro Planning Commission meeting where residents voiced their support for a proposed zoning ordinance. The commission deferred a vote on the legislation to allow more time for review and public feedback. The ordinance seeks to impose restrictions on data center size, location, noise, water usage, and air pollution.
Residents of Nashville, Tennessee, voiced strong support for stringent data center regulations at a recent Metro Planning Commission meeting. The public outcry follows proposals for new data centers near Fisk University and the Nashville Zoo. Metro Councilmember Rollin Horton introduced a zoning ordinance aiming to curb the unchecked growth of these facilities in Davidson County.
Horton's legislation proposes a ban on data centers exceeding 500,000 square feet. It further categorizes smaller facilities and restricts medium and large data centers (20,000 to 499,000 square feet) to industrial zoning districts, prohibiting them in residential and mixed-use areas. The ordinance also mandates significant separation requirements from sensitive areas like residences, daycares, religious institutions, and parks, ranging from 100 feet for small facilities to half a mile for large ones.
In addition to location restrictions, the proposed regulations would impose strict limits on noise, water usage, and air pollution emitted by data centers. The Metro Planning Commission voted to defer the matter to its June 25 meeting, citing a need for more time to address commission members' questions and integrate public feedback. The legislation is slated for its second of three readings before the Metro Council on July 7, which will include a public hearing.