KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— Knoxville City Council is expected to consider a proposed one-year moratorium on large data centers when it meets Tuesday evening.
According to the council agenda, members will discuss and vote on a first reading of an emergency ordinance that would temporarily halt the permitting, construction, and development of data centers requiring 10 megawatts or more of power within city limits.
City officials say the proposed pause is needed because data centers are not specifically defined in Knoxville’s current zoning code. As a result, important issues such as facility size, location requirements, noise standards, and other operational impacts are not directly addressed under existing regulations.
The agenda notes that while city leaders recognize the growing role data centers play in supporting the modern digital economy, they also acknowledge concerns about potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, public utilities, environmental sustainability, regional resources, and overall quality of life.
If approved, the one-year moratorium would give city staff time to study the issue and develop recommendations for future zoning and land-use regulations governing large-scale data center projects.
The proposed measure follows similar actions across East Tennessee. Last month, the Knox County Commission approved a one-year pause on certain data center developments, while officials in Loudon County adopted a six-month moratorium as local governments evaluate how to regulate the rapidly expanding industry.
Tuesday’s Knoxville City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
