According to WJHL, the Kingsport City Council has enacted a new ordinance establishing zoning rules for cryptocurrency mining operations and data centers in the city.
The ordinance, passed on first reading on Tuesday, sets standards for data centers and cryptocurrency mining, including setbacks, noise limits and zoning restrictions, and allows their use with strict oversight. Manager Ken Weems said it would protect existing property owners.
Under the ordinance, mining of crypto assets like Bitcoin would only be allowed in heavy industrial zones and would require special exception approvals and ongoing sound and vibration studies due to noise concerns.
Several board members praised the ordinance as a balanced and well-researched approach, noting it has already been considered by other communities.
The ordinance is currently in second reading and will go into effect upon final approval.
The discussion comes as Bitcoin operators are under intense public scrutiny over noise pollution in nearby towns.
CleanSpark’s proposed 30-megawatt facility stalled last year when local officials rejected a key zoning request, despite assurances that immersion cooling would reduce noise.
Residents pointed to the constant noise from a nearby limestone mining site as evidence that such operations contradict the peace and tranquility of the residential area.
