Blount County Planning | 07-23-26

The Blount County Planning Commission held a meeting on July 23, 2026, primarily addressing subdivision plats and zoning regulations. Several preliminary and formal plats for subdivisions were reviewed and approved with conditions, including requirements for environmental health department reviews and platting fees. A significant portion of the meeting focused on discussing a county commission resolution to regulate AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and blockchain computing centers. The commission considered definitions for these uses, a proposed 5,000-foot buffer from residential zones, and the advisability of a moratorium. After discussion, the commission voted to recommend a one-year moratorium on AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and blockchain computing centers within the county's zoning regulations to allow time for drafting appropriate amendments. This moratorium aligns with similar actions taken by neighboring Knox County. No specific contract awards or procurement actions were discussed, but the zoning policy decisions could impact future development and vendor opportunities related to data center infrastructure in the county.