Johnson City narrows where data centers can locate, orders acoustic study after heated opposition to crypto mining

Johnson City commissioners on May 15 advanced a zoning text amendment to define “data centers” and allow that use only in the city’s I‑2 Heavy Industrial district, and directed staff to hire an acoustic engineering firm to study noise and vibration issues tied to those operations.

The measure, presented as ordinance 49‑14‑25, drew several hours of public comment from residents who said proposed cryptocurrency mining facilities would harm health, wildlife, property values and noise-sensitive people and animals. Commissioners voted to approve the text amendment on its second reading and signaled they will pursue additional protections, including a planned request for qualifications for acoustic consultants and consideration of a temporary moratorium on new I‑2 development while the study is completed.

The amendment adds definitions for “data center,” “digital data operations,” and “cryptocurrency mining,” and specifies performance standards for any such use in I‑2: operations must be inside enclosed buildings; exterior equipment must be fully screened; minimum front setbacks of 60 feet; a minimum 200‑foot setback from residential zoning; and a…