I hope you're doing well.  I wanted to share an update on two pieces of legislation being introduced at this evening's Council meeting.   If ultimately enacted, they would establish significant safeguards around future data center development in Nashville. I have signed on as a co-sponsor for both measures.

Late-Filed Moratorium Ordinance

Authored by Council Member Johnston, this ordinance would temporarily pause new data center development while Nashville develops and adopts specific zoning regulations tailored to these facilities. During the moratorium, Metro agencies would not accept, review, approve, or issue permits for new data center developments.

Council Member Johnston introduced this legislation because Nashville's zoning code currently does not contain a specific definition for data centers. As a result, these projects would have to be reviewed under land-use categories that were not designed to address the scale, operational characteristics, or potential impacts of modern data center development.  

This ordinance would:

• Temporarily pause new data center zoning, building, and grading permits until November 1, 2026, or until new data center regulations take effect.

• Prevent data centers from being approved under outdated zoning classifications while Metro develops standards specifically designed for these facilities.

• Provide time for Nashville to adopt regulations addressing issues such as power demand, noise, backup generators, environmental impacts, public safety, and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.

BL2026-1391 – Data Center Zoning Framework

Council Member Horton has introduced BL2026-1391, which would establish Nashville's first comprehensive zoning framework for data centers.

In short, the bill would require data centers to be appropriately sized, located in suitable areas, and meet rigorous environmental and operational standards before receiving approval. It would also provide meaningful opportunities for public review and community input.

Key provisions include:

• Prohibiting hyperscale data centers larger than 500,000 square feet in Davidson County.

• Restricting medium and large data centers to industrially zoned areas, preventing them from locating in residential neighborhoods and many mixed-use districts.

• Establishing substantial buffers between data centers and homes, schools, daycares, parks, houses of worship, zoological institutions, and other sensitive uses.

• Requiring environmental and operational safeguards, including closed-loop cooling systems, noise limits, water and energy sustainability plans, emissions controls, and annual compliance reporting.

• Providing enhanced public review and oversight for larger facilities before approval.

Taken together, these measures would provide residents and the Metro Government with stronger tools to protect the long-term interests of our community.  Because BL2026-1391 will likely be refined through the legislative process, it may take several months before a final framework is adopted. Council Member Johnston's moratorium is therefore a critical companion measure. It pauses new data center development while Metro puts in place the long-term tools needed to protect neighborhoods, safeguard public resources, and ensure future projects receive appropriate scrutiny.

I greatly appreciate the leadership Council Members Horton and Johnston have shown on these efforts. I look forward to supporting both bills and working through the legislative process to make them even stronger.

Mike Cortese | Metro Councilman, District 4

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County

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