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Committee extends moratorium on new data‑center permits to Dec. 1 pending agency review
Summary
The Metro Council committee approved an amendment to keep a temporary moratorium on data‑center permits in place through Dec. 1 and removed language that would have ended the moratorium automatically on passage of the related zoning bill, citing time for mayoral/agency reviews under Executive Order 59.
A Metro Council committee voted unanimously (8–0) to approve a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and issuance of zoning, building and grading permits for data‑center developments in Davidson County (BL 20 26 14 48), extending the moratorium through Dec. 1.
Sponsor Council member Johnston moved an amendment to delete language that would have ended the moratorium automatically if the data‑center zoning ordinance (BL 20 26 13 91) passed, and to change the moratorium’s expiration from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1. Johnston said the extension allows Metro departments time to complete evaluations called for by Executive Order 59 and for any responsive legislation to move through the planning process without overlapping deadlines.
"We anticipate having legislation that is gonna be responsive to these reports from these various agencies," Johnston said, explaining the change was intended to provide time for coordinated updates to zoning and rules. The committee approved the amendment and then recommended approval of the moratorium as amended (8 in favor, 0 against).
The moratorium, as amended, also explicitly covers administrative appeals related to data‑center approvals. Sponsors said the goal is to ensure consistent rules are in place while Metro departments complete technical reviews rather than to block considered projects indefinitely.
The committee’s approval sends the moratorium measure to the full council for further action.
