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Knoxville council enacts one‑year moratorium on large data centers
Summary
The City Council passed an emergency ordinance imposing a one‑year moratorium on permitting new data centers that require 10 megawatts or more, directing planning staff to develop zoning safeguards and asking for public input on energy, water and sound impacts.
Knoxville’s City Council on a voice vote adopted an emergency ordinance placing a one‑year moratorium on the permitting, construction or development of any new data center within city limits that would require 10 megawatts or more of power.
Mayor (speaker 1) said the pause will allow the city to craft “important guardrails,” arguing that "our clean air, our clean water are not for sale." The moratorium was presented as a stopgap so staff can develop recommended zoning changes and related safeguards before new large facilities are approved.
Amy Brooks of Knox‑Knox County Planning (speaker 14) told council the county is also reviewing data centers as part of a comprehensive code update and that any ordinance changes would follow the standard process: staff review, planning‑commission consideration, public review and then a recommendation to council. Brooks did not provide a firm timeline for the code work.
Council members pressing for public education and regional coordination included Vice Mayor Fugate (speaker 6), who asked for opportunities for city residents to learn about likely impacts, and Council member Thomas (speaker 10), who said he has received substantial public concern about energy, water use and noise.
Council member DeBartolavin (speaker 11) urged policymakers to examine sound rules, renewable energy requirements and water recycling as part of the drafting work, noting existing data‑center users in the county and that some current sound ordinances were designed for nightclubs rather than continuous industrial operations.
The council voted in favor by voice vote; the ordinance passed and the moratorium takes effect immediately. Planning staff and sustainability staff were identified as the primary leads to develop and bring forward zoning language and recommendations for public hearings.
