Franklin, TN Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Arterial buffer
- 500 feet
- Waiver condition
- not visible from arterial
- What's regulated
- building footprint placement only
- Effective date
- Jan. 13, 2026
Summary
Franklin requires a data center's building footprint to sit at least 500 feet from any arterial street, unless the building isn't visible from that street.
The building footprint for a data center shall not be located within 500 feet of an arterial street; however, a data center may be closer than 500 feet if it is not visible from the arterial street.
E. Duplexes In the 1ST district, duplexes are permitted only outside of the FWO and FFO.
F. Essential Services
90 Franklin Zoning Ordinance Effective January 13, 2026
Public buildings that are 12,000 square feet or less may be located in any zoning district. Larger buildings or uses shall be limited to the PD, CI, NC, CC, DD, 1ST, 5TH, RC4, RC6, RC12, GO, LI, and HI districts.
Full Breakdown
Franklin Zoning Ordinance § 5.1.4.D, adopted with the city's 2026 form-based rewrite, sets a siting standard specific to data centers: the building footprint may not be located within 500 feet of an arterial street. That limit doesn't apply if the data center isn't visible from the arterial, screening, topography, or setback design can satisfy the standard without the full distance. The rule regulates footprint placement relative to arterial streets, not overall lot size, height, or floor area.
Violations & Fines
Siting a data center's footprint within 500 feet of a visible arterial without meeting the standard is a Zoning Ordinance § 22.5 misdemeanor, fined under Title 12, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Franklin data center be built facing an arterial road?
Does the 500-foot rule limit how big a Franklin data center can be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee data centers & crypto mining overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.