Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Smyth County schedules June 25 public hearing on draft data-centers ordinance with siting limits
Summary
A draft ordinance that would require Special Use Permits for large data centers and set standards for setbacks, height, sound and lighting was recommended for concurrence; the Board scheduled a joint public hearing for June 25, 2026 after asking for clarifications on small-scale by-right permissions and public-notice signage.
Assistant County Administrator for Development Clegg Williams presented a draft data centers ordinance to the Board May 14 that distinguishes large data centers (over 40,000 square feet) to be allowed by Special Use Permit (SUP) across several districts and allows small data centers (under 40,000 square feet) either by SUP or by right depending on zone.
The draft includes recommended standards the committee adopted as a recommendation to the Board: align setback regulations with building code and set a 60-foot setback; limit site sound to 55 dB(A) at the sending property line; limit height to 60 feet (per building code alignment); require a security bond and a 365-day cleanup requirement in cases of property abandonment; amend lighting language to require applicants to "minimize and mitigate off-site effects"; and require signage regarding public-interest meetings prior to applications.
Royal Oak District Supervisor Courtney Widener said he had concerns about allowing small-scale data centers by right in industrial districts and suggested all data centers require SUPs. Rye Valley District Supervisor Jason Parris pressed whether the ordinance would address job-creation expectations; staff said current zoning does not regulate employment numbers. Clegg Williams said he would consult with the Joint Ordinance Committee to consider Widener's proposal and confirm that all data centers must meet the ordinance's regulatory standards regardless of permitting path.
The Joint Ordinance Committee recommended the Board concur with the proposed ordinance and set a joint public hearing for June 25, 2026 to receive public comments. No final ordinance adoption occurred on May 14; the hearing will allow public input and further refinement.
"We will ensure public notification and that applications mitigate off-site effects," Williams said, noting the committee's request for sign requirements and tighter language on lighting and abandonment remedies.
Board members asked staff to confirm permitting paths and to consider whether employment impacts or additional performance standards should be reflected in the ordinance before final adoption.
