Planning director outlines tiered approach to data‑center rules; moratorium debated

Planning Director Doug updated the committee that staff are gathering information to draft regulations for data centers and are leaning toward a tiered approach — with categories ranging from small edge facilities to hyperscale operations — rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all ordinance.

"We are just in the data gathering phase is where we are right now," Doug told members, noting staff contacted service providers, utilities and the county IT director to understand impacts such as electrical, water demand and noise (largely from HVAC and generators). He cited a University of Tennessee model ordinance that proposes tier thresholds and said the county’s county attorney has been provided examples of moratoria and asked to draft language.

Commissioners debated whether to put a moratorium in place while rules are drafted and whether a broad moratorium could unintentionally block ordinary server rooms for local businesses. Planning staff and several commissioners suggested moratorium language should include thresholds or exclusions so that small internal server rooms would not be affected — and that the planning commission would still play a role in reviewing planned units.

Staff said the county attorney is reviewing example moratoria and will prepare draft language. The committee requested the attorney provide definitions and exclusions so a moratorium would not hinder normal business IT operations. No formal moratorium was adopted at this meeting; staff will report back as drafts are available.