Halifax board asks staff to draft data‑center and battery storage ordinances to pursue new revenue streams

During new business on March 2 the board directed staff to draft zoning and permitting language for data centers and battery/energy storage facilities so the county can evaluate the opportunities and regulatory framework to host those projects.

County planning staff explained the comprehensive plan supports exploring data centers and battery storage as part of economic development. Board members said the county needs to consider new revenue streams to fund public services and capital needs while preserving local control through conditional‑use permitting and other safeguards.

A motion instructed staff to prepare draft ordinances and consult the county attorney; the motion passed on a roll call 7‑1. Board members emphasized they expect planning and public‑hearing steps before any site is approved; several supervisors also said any ordinance should include conditional‑use review to give the board oversight on placement, buffering and community protections.

Next steps: Planning staff will draft ordinance language, coordinate with legal counsel, present to the planning commission for public hearing and return to the board for final action. Supervisors said they would look at best practices in nearby jurisdictions.