Bradley County Commission meeting today about zoning regulations for data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations

The Bradley County Commission will meet today at noon to consider proposed changes to zoning regulations for data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations.

The meeting will take place in the Bradley County Commission room at the Bradley County Courthouse. You can livestream the meeting at noon or watch it later at mixtv.tv
The discussion comes as concerns grow in the community over a 251-acre property in the Charleston area that sold in April 2025 for $22 million to England-based developers SDCL.

Rumors have circulated on social media suggesting the site is being marketed for a large AI data center, in part because of its proximity to the river and existing electrical infrastructure.
Residents have raised concerns about potential impacts, including noise, traffic, environmental issues, and strain on the power grid. The property is also adjacent to Walker Valley High School.

However, county leaders say no formal application has been submitted for any data center or cryptocurrency mining facility.

Officials, including the county mayor and planning department, stress that today’s discussion is not tied to a specific project.
 
Instead, they say, commissioners are considering a resolution that would update the county’s zoning code to define and regulate data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations.

If approved, the changes would allow those uses only in areas zoned I-1 General Industrial District, include a minimum site size of five acres and restrictions preventing facilities from being located next to residential zones.

Noise levels would be capped at 60 decibels, and developers would be required to submit a detailed site plan.

The rules would also require proper disposal of electronic waste through licensed recycling companies and prohibit the use of cargo containers or similar structures.

In addition, any applicant would need to verify with a power provider that the electrical infrastructure can safely support the high energy demands of the facility.

County leaders say the goal is to have clear guidelines in place before any formal proposal is brought forward, rather than reacting after the fact.

County Mayor, Gary Davis, will join WCLE’s Steve Hartline tomorrow morning to discuss the vote and what it means to Bradley County and future Data Center and Cryptocurrance mining facilities.