Loading map…
Regbase

The Data Center Divide

Bradley County

Anti-Data Center Policies

Bradley County’s enacted rules allow data centers in industrial zones, but strict location and operating requirements leave few suitable sites, making new construction difficult—not expressly prohibited.

current law · Unincorporated areas
This amendment, adopted by the Bradley County Commission and introduced in its final form by Commissioner Louie Alford, adds definitions for data centers, AI data centers, server farms, and cryptocurrency mining and regulates those uses in unincorporated Bradley County.Bradley County Zoning Resolution, § 26, “Cryptocurrency Mining and Data Centers” (Resolution introduced by Commissioner Louie Alford; adopted April 20, 2026)

What this means

The measure allows data centers in an industrial zone, but its strict location and operating rules would leave very few suitable sites. That would make building new centers extremely difficult, though the sources do not show that it bans them outright.

People behind it

  • Presented both agenda items to the Bradley County Commission.

  • Petitioned for the property to be rezoned from FAR to R-2.

  • Recommended the zoning-resolution amendment concerning cryptocurrency mining and data centers.

Show 9 more peopleShow fewer people

  • Unanimously approved the strict zoning regulations concerning data centers.

  • Authorized or directed to submit applications, negotiate and execute agreements, and administer appropriations, leases, grants, contracts, and other measures.

  • Authorized to perform paving work, administer landfill odor-monitoring services, and register the county with cooperative purchasing organizations.

  • Authorized to negotiate an agreement designating an ambulance provider for psychiatric-patient transport.

  • Authorized to collect municipal property taxes on behalf of Charleston, Tennessee, and negotiate the related interlocal agreement.

  • Authorized to publish the county’s intent to adopt building codes by reference.

  • Authorized to provide misdemeanor probation services for Polk County, Tennessee.

  • Authorized to provide juvenile detention services to other Tennessee counties.

  • Authorized to provide fire-protection services to the City of Charleston.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements8

  • Data centers are permitted only in the I-1 General Industrial District, restricting where they may be located. Data Center

  • The site must be at least 5 acres and may not be adjacent to an R-1 or R-2 zoning district. The site shall not be less than 5 acres

  • All screening requirements in Article III, Section 13, must be satisfied. All screening requirements

  • Noise from the operation may not exceed 60 decibels at the property lines, and decibel-level verification must be provided to the Bradley County Planning and Inspections Office. A sound limit emitted from the operation

  • A site plan is required and must comply with Article III, Section 13. A site plan shall be required

  • The operator must verify that all electronic waste generated by the operation will be handled by a licensed electronic-waste recycling firm.

  • Cargo containers, railroad cars, semi-truck trailers, and similar storage containers may not be used for any component of the operation. Noise-reducing specialty structures are allowed only when located within an enclosed noise-reducing barrier. The use of cargo containers

  • Before a permit may be issued, the applicant must obtain written verification from the public electric utility that it has assessed projected electricity consumption and confirmed that the utility equipment and related infrastructure can safely accommodate the proposed use. Prior to issuance of a permit

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions3

  • Data centers are expressly listed as a permitted use in the I-1 General Industrial District, allowing them to be developed there without a separate rezoning for the use, subject to the measure’s conditions. [Data Center](https://bradleycountytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Work-Session-agenda-4.13.2026.pdf#:~:text= h.%20Data%20Center)

  • The zoning resolution specifically defines cryptocurrency mining and data centers, including AI data centers and server farms or server clusters, providing dedicated zoning categories for these facilities. a dedicated physical facility housing vast amounts of IT infrastructure

  • Specialty noise-reducing structures designed for cryptocurrency-mining or data-center operations may be used when located within an enclosed noise-reducing barrier. Specialty noise reducing structures purposefully designed to accommodate the operation may be utilized

Sources

Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data