Data center Moratorium passes unanimously

city begins process of crafting data center regulations

The City of McMinnville officially hit the pause button on data centers Tuesday night.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2026-09, establishing an 18-month moratorium on new data centers and high-density computing facilities while city officials study potential regulations and impacts. 

The vote came one week after a special called meeting that drew dozens of residents and followed another public hearing Tuesday where residents continued to voice concerns about water usage, wastewater disposal, noise pollution and long-term community impacts. 

Mayor Ryle Chastain noted the ordinance was included on the consent agenda because it had already received unanimous approval on first reading. Second reading took seconds to pass unanimously again. 

"That moratorium just passed on its second reading, so it is now in effect," Chastain told those in attendance, drawing a large applause. 

The city is already preparing for the next phase of the process. Community Development Director Sean Garrett announced two public town hall meetings will be held June 22 and June 25 at City Hall beginning at 6 p.m. 

"The public will be very involved in this as we proceed forward," Garrett said.