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Residents urge more time and stricter rules on zoning rewrite and data centers in Franklin County
Summary
At the April 14 Franklin County Planning Commission meeting, dozens of residents criticized a proposed zoning rewrite—objecting to new A-1 lot-size rules and potential data center siting—and called for more public outreach, a referendum, or stricter standards for data centers. Commissioners discussed map language, STR rules, solar limits, and next steps.
Dozens of Franklin County residents told the Planning Commission on April 14 that the county’s proposed zoning ordinance rewrite needs more time, clearer grandfathering rules and stronger limits on data-center siting.
Anne Rogers of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League proposed three criteria she asked the county to adopt for all new data centers: develop them inside already-developed structures (vacant malls or industrial buildings) rather than on open land; require developers to fund local solar parking projects to offset electrical use; and require water-minimizing cooling systems. Rogers specifically referenced a Microsoft pilot called “Zero Water” as an example of water-recycling cooling technology.
Multiple speakers raised concerns that the draft zoning changes are not a true grandfathering of A-1 properties because a new 10-acre minimum would prevent many owners from dividing or selling portions of their land. Resident Penny Hodges said the change would strip flexibility from family land, affecting generational planning and property value. Other commenters described the draft rules as overly prescriptive—"like HOA regulations"—and said public outreach had been insufficient.
Speakers also raised environmental and operational objections to potential data-center development. Energy-conservation specialist Paris Swain called for energy conservation plans and closed-loop water systems for any large computing facilities. Robert Fitch asserted data centers could raise surrounding temperatures and affect groundwater and wells; that claim was reported by the speaker and not substantiated during the meeting.
Following public comment, Vice Chair Victor Evans led a Planning Commission discussion that reviewed several public concerns and policy questions: confusion over map boundary language (magisterial vs. election district names); minimum frontage and lot-size relationships; appropriate height limits for agricultural structures; whether short-term rentals should remain subject to a special-use permit or become by-right with standardized regulations; possible residency or proximity requirements for STR managers; screening and acreage caps for utility-scale solar; measurement points for light limits; and whether the ordinance’s effective date should be delayed to give property owners and HOAs time to act under existing rules.
Planning Director Lisa Cooper said the Berkley Group consultant is compiling public input and that commissioners will receive a summary of surveys by the May 13 joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors. The commission scheduled a work session on May 12 and a joint session with the Board on May 13 to prepare recommendations.
Speakers asked the Board of Supervisors to slow the process, expand outreach and consider putting some provisions—especially data-center siting—before voters. The Planning Commission did not make final policy changes at the April 14 meeting; it will continue deliberations in May and may forward recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
