Shelby County TN proposed data center moratorium ordinance
Shelby County, TN — Commissioner Brooks Introduces Ordinance for an Up-to-12-Month Data Center Moratorium in Unincorporated Shelby County (Introduced Oct. 7, 2026)
Shelby County, TN · Shelby County, TN, proposed data center moratorium ordinance (introduced Oct. 7, 2026)
- Status
- Proposed / pending
- Applies to
- Data center developers in unincorporated Shelby County, TN
- Enforced by
- Shelby County Board of Commissioners
A Shelby County commissioner introduced an ordinance that would halt data center development in unincorporated Shelby County for up to 12 months, or until the county adopts zoning rules for data centers. It would also create data center zoning definitions, require development agreements covering infrastructure, aquifer water, energy use and noise, and set up a study committee. It still needs readings by the full commission.
Who is protected: Residents of unincorporated Shelby County, TN
Legal detail
Shelby County Board of Commissioners ordinance (sponsor Henri E. Brooks): moratorium on data center development in unincorporated Shelby County for up to 12 months, until repealed, or until 'adoption of comprehensive zoning regulations governing' data centers; uniform rules for large-load data centers, multi-tiered facility classification, required development agreement (public infrastructure, aquifer protection, energy usage, noise); study committee. Introduced in general government committee Wed. Oct. 7, 2026 (an attempted Sept. 23 introduction did not meet procedure); graduated without recommendation to the next full commission meeting for first reading. Does not apply inside Memphis (County Attorney Greg Barnes). NOT ESTABLISHED: ordinance number, first-reading date.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Shelby County, TN |
|---|---|
| Level | County |
| Citation | Shelby County, TN, proposed data center moratorium ordinance (introduced Oct. 7, 2026) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy |
| News report | Shelby County Commission introduces own data center development moratorium ordinance — WATN Local 24 via Yahoo (Oct. 7, 2026) |
Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
- Superior WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Dane County WI Hyperscale Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Madison WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Manitowoc County WI Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy) · In effect
- Dayton OH data center moratorium (180-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
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