Planning commission opens review of cryptocurrency and data‑center regulations; staff to research model ordinances

Bradley County planning commissioners discussed whether to pursue countywide standards for cryptocurrency mining and data centers and directed planning staff to research model ordinances and best practices.

County planner Bentley told the commission that the City of Cleveland has adopted a cryptocurrency ordinance and that the planning office has found no comparable regulations in Southeastern Tennessee’s zoning resolutions or subdivision rules. Bentley said he will consult peers at regional planning organizations, contact larger Tennessee counties and seek guidance at the Tennessee American Planning Association conference to assemble model language the county could adapt.

Commissioners who raised the item said concerns include heavy electrical demand, limited local employment relative to the land and energy footprint of such facilities, and the long-term land‑use implications of allowing high-density data or mining centers in unregulated locations. One commissioner framed the effort as being “forward thinking” to give future planning commissions and the county commission regulatory options rather than reacting after such facilities locate in Bradley County.

Bentley described the effort as preliminary: research and drafting would be followed by legal review and, if the county pursues an ordinance, a formal hearing and adoption by the county commission. No regulatory text was proposed or adopted at the meeting.

Commissioners asked staff to return with draft language and examples from other jurisdictions; staff said that any county ordinance would require review and coordination with the county attorney and would likely proceed to the county commission for final action.