CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A proposed update to zoning regulations to make sure any future data centers have restrictions on water use, electricity use and noise has made its way to the Montgomery County Commission.
Regional Planning Commission Director Jeff Tyndall told the County Commission Monday the resolution will add protections for the community and, depending on feedback, will be taken to the City Council in the near future.
Tyndall said that seven items are included in a checklist future applicants must follow to obtain data center approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals:
- The property must be a minimum of 10 acres, and no larger than 100 acres.
- The minimum setback from all zones, with the exception of M1 and M2, would be 100 feet.
- Applicant must provide a noise plan proving the location and the extent of noise would be no greater than 3 decibels over ambient levels.
- The noise cannot exceed 55 decibels if the location is adjoining a property not zoned M1 or M2. (55 decibels is about equal to the hum of a household refrigerator.)
- The applicant must provide a letter from the water provider confirming that the facility can supply water. If the facility must draw water from a surface water facility, the applicant must have appropriate approval from TDEC or other federal agencies.
- The applicant must provide a letter from the power and gas provider confirming the facility is capable of providing electricity to the property.
- The applicant is responsible for the costs of infrastructure improvements necessary to provide utility services to the facility, and the utilities needed are the sole responsibility of the data center.
County commissioners voice concerns, questions
Commissioner Joshua Beal asked a series of questions, including if the County Commission can amend the zoning resolution. “Minimum setback from all zones is 100 feet, that includes residential. What would be the process if we wanted to amend that?” Beal asked…