Bristol council adopts two-year moratorium on new data centers

The Bristol, Tennessee, City Council on Oct. 7 approved Ordinance 25‑20, a two‑year moratorium on the establishment of data centers inside city limits while the Planning Commission researches possible changes to the city’s M‑2 zoning regulations.

Planning staff presented the ordinance at a public hearing and told council the moratorium was recommended by the Planning Commission to allow time to study an “emerging technology” and update the M‑2 industrial zoning rules. "The ordinance tonight for a moratorium on data centers is brought to you and born out of the work of the Planning Commission," said Sheriff Young, director of planning and community development.

Council members said the pause will let the city evaluate resource impacts and regulatory options. During the discussion, council referenced concerns about data centers’ energy and water demands and noted neighboring jurisdictions have taken similar steps. The moratorium lasts 24 months unless council alters it earlier; during that time the Planning Commission will research technical and regulatory changes and return recommendations to council.

Ordinance 25‑20 passed on second reading by roll call vote with all five members present voting yes: Acard, Turner, Fire Robin, Slagle and Powers.

The moratorium applies only to new data‑center establishments; existing businesses and uses already permitted in M‑2 remain subject to current zoning and permitting rules. The Planning Commission and city staff will return to council with proposed zoning or code amendments before the moratorium expires or sooner if work is completed.

For now, the action halts new data‑center permits while the city examines potential changes to M‑2 definitions, buffering, utility demands and other code sections that would govern the industry.