DICKSON — Dickson officials are seeking another six months to develop regulations for data centers, with City Administrator Dave Travis telling council members that one had expressed interest in the city’s industrial park.
The Dickson City Council approved the proposed extension on first reading during its November 2, 2026 meeting. The measure requires a second reading before becoming final.
Ordinance 1591 would extend the city’s temporary moratorium on accepting, processing and approving applications for data centers and cryptocurrency or blockchain mining operations. The restrictions cover permits, zoning amendments, site plans and development approvals.
Officials said the current moratorium expires December 30, 2026. They described plans for a second reading in December, with the extension taking effect January 1 and continuing into June 2027.
Travis said the pause has allowed city and county representatives to study the facilities and consider where they should be permitted and what restrictions should apply.
“We had one interested in our industrial park,” Travis said.
He did not identify the company, a specific parcel or the size of the potential project. No data center development was approved during the meeting.
Travis said officials have held several meetings involving planners, city and county attorneys, County Mayor Danny Williams and utility representatives. They have also heard from people familiar with the Google data center in Clarksville.
The discussions have produced a draft ordinance, but officials said additional work is needed to align its language with recently released definitions and guidance from state organizations.
City leaders pushed back against criticism on social media that the process has moved too slowly, saying the regulations need careful consideration because they could shape how future proposals are handled.
Officials hope to present proposed regulations to the council in January or February, potentially before the additional six month moratorium would expire.
Water availability and electricity demand were among the concerns raised during the discussion.
A council member asked whether the water authority could accommodate a data center alongside other development occurring in the city. Travis said both the water authority and electric system have participated in the meetings.
Officials discussed differences among cooling systems and the demands different facilities could place on utilities. They said those differences are part of the reason the city needs more time to develop its rules.
The proposed extension would preserve the temporary pause while that work continues. It would not establish permanent development standards or authorize a particular facility.
Although Travis disclosed interest in the city’s industrial park, the discussion did not establish any connection between that interest and the proposed industrial development on Turkey Creek Road.
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for December 7 at 7 p.m., when officials expect to consider the extension on second reading.