Nashville Data Center Rules in Force; Permit Moratorium Runs to Dec. 1

Metro Council's countywide data center regulations passed on third reading July 21, with a moratorium on new permits running through Dec. 1, 2026. The zoning bill, BL2026-1391, and companion building materials measure BL2026-1392 passed unanimously. Councilmember Rollin Horton (District 20) was the lead sponsor.

The law bans data centers over 500,000 square feet countywide. Large facilities require a special exception from the Metro Board of Zoning Appeals, with a public hearing. Council members strengthened the requirements before passage, including by increasing distance buffers.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell backed the moratorium with Executive Order 59 on June 15, directing Metro departments to study data center impacts, and supported the ordinance.

His $544.7 million Capital Spending Plan, his fourth, was filed with the Metro Council, which begins consideration of it at its Oct. 5 meeting.

The rules land as DC Blox pursues a 69,200-square-foot, 10-megawatt facility at 648 Grassmere Park near the Nashville Zoo, with a second building over 200,000 square feet proposed. Metro is considering using eminent domain to acquire the Grassmere Park property.