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Committee approves 6‑month moratorium on data centers pending legal review
Summary
After a staff update on data‑center regulation options and utility constraints, the committee voted to impose a six‑month moratorium on data‑center applications in unincorporated county areas, contingent on legal review and later county commission approval.
Planning Director Doug DeMasi told the committee that Property Management had begun preliminary work on possible data‑center regulations and that, as of now, the county had not received inquiries for large data centers in unincorporated areas. "As of right now, we don't have any specific regulations for data centers," DeMasi said, and he outlined potential utility (electricity and water) and TVA approval requirements for large facilities.
Commissioners expressed concern about being prepared if developers seek to locate data centers in the county and debated whether to impose a temporary moratorium while staff and legal review proceed. Commissioner Peay urged quick action and Commissioner Pearcy (Piercy) moved to propose a six‑month moratorium contingent on legal review; the committee approved the motion and agreed to carry the item to the full county commission. Staff will consult the county attorney and utilities so the county can develop a regulatory framework if necessary.
The committee discussed outreach options and whether to invite utility representatives to a future session to detail capacity and approval processes. The moratorium is intended to provide time to develop regulations and is dependent on legal guidance about the appropriateness and enforceability of such a moratorium.
