Home / Business and Economy / Nashville Bans Some Data Centers, Pauses Rest
Nashville Bans Some Data Centers, Pauses Rest
22 Jul
Summary
- Nashville council approved zoning regulations and a moratorium on data centers.
- Hyperscale data centers over 500,000 sq ft are now banned outright.
- Mayor is pursuing eminent domain for zoo-adjacent property proposed for data centers.
Data center development in Nashville now faces new zoning regulations and a temporary moratorium, following unanimous Metro Nashville Council approval on July 21. The ordinances halt new data center construction until December 1. "Hyperscale" data centers larger than 500,000 square feet are now prohibited entirely.
Facilities under this size will require public hearings and additional environmental reviews. Amendments also mandate noise monitoring and quarterly reporting. Mayor Freddie O’Connell supported these bills, stating they are a win for neighborhoods. He is also pursuing eminent domain for the zoo-adjacent property, highlighting an urgent need for land in southeast Nashville.
The council also advanced the mayor's eminent domain legislation to its third reading, despite some opposition labeling it "irresponsible legislation" potentially leading to lawsuits. This bill awaits a final vote in August. The previous lack of specific zoning meant data centers were permitted under general industrial districts.
