Just in case you would like to use this for your city or county commission.

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____

A RESOLUTION IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE, PROCESSING, AND APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSION, OR OPERATION OF DATA CENTERS WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF [COUNTY/CITY NAME], TENNESSEE.

WHEREAS, the [Board of County Commissioners / City Council] is committed to protecting the public health, safety, welfare, and property values of the residents of [County/City Name]; and [1, 2]

WHEREAS, a rapid increase in the development of large-scale computer infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) facilities, high-performance computing centers, and web-hosting data centers has occurred nationwide; and [1, 2, 3]

WHEREAS, data center facilities demand highly unique infrastructure requirements, including exceptionally high electrical power consumption, massive water usage for cooling systems, and potential noise pollution from continuous generator operation; and [1, 2, 3]

WHEREAS, the current Zoning Ordinances and Land Development Regulations of [County/City Name] do not adequately address the specific impacts, infrastructure strains, and neighborhood compatibility issues associated with modern data centers; and [1, 2]

WHEREAS, the [Board of County Commissioners / City Council] desires to study these impacts to draft comprehensive zoning standards, noise limitations, and utility agreements before any further facilities are authorized to build; and [1, 2]

WHEREAS, a temporary pause on development approvals is necessary to prevent a rush of applications that could circumvent upcoming zoning regulations. [1, 2]

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the legislative body of [County/City Name], Tennessee, that:

1. Moratorium Established. A temporary moratorium is hereby established on the acceptance, processing, review, and approval of all applications for land use amendments, rezonings, special use permits, site plans, variances, and building permits related to data centers, data processing, and high-performance computing facilities. [1, 2, 3]

2. Duration. This moratorium shall take effect immediately upon adoption and shall remain in effect for a period of six (6) months, or until the [Board / Council] enacts updated data center zoning regulations, whichever occurs first. [1, 2, 3, 4]

3. Study Period. During this moratorium, a committee appointed by the Mayor shall research and recommend specific amendments regarding noise limits, fenceline monitoring, water conservation, and power grid protection. [1, 2]

4. Exclusions. This moratorium shall not apply to complete permit applications that were already officially accepted and under review prior to the effective date of this resolution. [1, 2]

PASSED AND APPROVED this _____ day of ____________, 2026.

[Name], County Commission Chair / Mayor

ATTEST:

[Name], County / City Clerk