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Hamblen County committee backs one-year moratorium on high-intensity data centers
Summary
A Public Services Committee voted to pursue a 12-month interim moratorium on high-intensity-load facilities to give planners time to draft zoning rules addressing power, water, noise and emergency-response concerns; the ordinance cites Tennessee Code Annotated 13-7-101.
Tom McKinney, planning and zoning manager, asked the Public Services Committee to consider "the Hamblen County interim moratorium on high intensity load facilities ordinance," saying the pause would give county planners 12 months to study regulations and propose permanent zoning standards for data centers and similar facilities.
McKinney told the committee: "This ordinance shall be known as the Hamblen County interim moratorium on high intensity load facilities ordinance." He said the moratorium is adopted pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated 13-7-101 and is intended to preserve the status quo while staff and the planning commission evaluate long-term regulations.
Members noted potential impacts and trade-offs. One planning commissioner said neighboring counties had been "blindsided" by data-center development and stressed the need for time to craft rules. Concerns raised in the discussion included high electricity and water demands, possible effects on stormwater and environmental resources, continuous noise from cooling and backup-generation systems, and fire-safety challenges related to large electrical and battery systems.
A commissioner cited local tax figures when assessing benefit: "I talked to Keith Eley today, and he said we derive $27,000 of taxes from Bitcoin," a comment used to weigh likely revenue against infrastructure and quality-of-life risks. McKinney and others emphasized the moratorium is a limited study period — it does not permanently ban facilities but restricts approvals while the county develops zoning tools.
The committee voted to approve the moratorium recommendation and directed staff to schedule the public hearing and follow the ordinance-adoption process. Planning staff and commissioners said they expect to use the 12-month window to consult utilities and other stakeholders before proposing permanent regulations.
What this means: the county will prepare regulatory language and hold public hearings before any permanent restrictions are adopted. The moratorium gives Hamblen County time to assess infrastructure needs and draft rules aimed at protecting rural and residential character while clarifying permitting expectations for high-intensity computing facilities.
