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Planning commission backs zoning text amendment that adds performance rules for data centers, seeks follow-up study
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a zoning-text amendment to regulate data centers, requiring special-use review for large facilities and limited performance standards now while staff pursues a broader phase-two study of impacts and mitigation.
The Albemarle County Planning Commission on Feb. 25 recommended approval of a zoning-text amendment that adds specific review standards for data centers and directs staff to undertake a broader study of impacts.
The change: The text amendment (ZTA 2024-2) establishes thresholds and limited performance requirements for data centers. Key features include allowing accessory or smaller data-center operations by right in appropriate districts, a 40,000-square-foot threshold above which data centers would require special-use permits, and interim performance standards (noise limits, setbacks and controls for emergency generators and equipment screening). The ordinance retains standard district height and setback rules and requires by special-use review for large facilities to evaluate site-specific impacts.
Why now: County staff said the amendment is a two-phase approach. Phase 1 gives the county tools to review…
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