Council adopts temporary moratorium on data‑center permits through Dec. 1 to allow analysis

The Metropolitan Council voted to adopt BL2026-1448, a temporary moratorium that stops acceptance, processing and issuance of permits for data-center developments in Nashville until Dec. 1. The sponsor amended the original language so the moratorium would not end automatically upon passage of BL2026-1391 but would remain in force until December to allow time for departmental reports and any needed follow-up ordinances.

Sponsor Council Member Johnston said the extra time would allow Metro departments to finish studies requested by an executive order and for council members to digest recommendations. ‘‘Let’s not let the perfect be the enemy of the good,’’ she told colleagues as she explained the amendment.

Council members who had previously opposed indefinite pauses said the time-limited moratorium was reasonable. The moratorium passed on third and final reading as amended. Metro planning staff will use the interval to compare the new code language, review final-site-plan compliance procedures and advise on any technical rules the council may want to add before the moratorium expires.