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Smyth County Board narrows data-center 'by-right' allowances, moves hearings amid public concern
Summary
After public comment and staff discussion, the Board amended a June public-hearing notice to require special-use permits for data centers and removed “data processing” from the existing ordinance; the County also agreed to hold an informational public hearing ahead of the zoning hearing.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted May 28 to remove 'by-right' allowances for data centers in the county zoning notice for a June hearing, making future data-center development subject to special-use permits.
The change, approved in a 6–0 vote with one supervisor absent for part of the meeting, also removed the term "data processing" from the existing ordinance language. County Administrator Shawn Utt said he recommended relocating the June 25 public hearing to Marion Senior High School because of strong citizen interest; Supervisor Mike Sturgill earlier said the Board would research development proposals and supported holding a public education meeting.
The action followed public comment from Dr. Charles Wassum, who asked the Board to "request a public information meeting explaining the proposed ordinance" and raised privacy concerns about data centers. The Board did not take a final zoning decision on any specific proposal during the meeting; rather, it narrowed how the upcoming hearing will be noticed and reviewed so siting and specific impacts can be considered under special-use requirements.
Planning and county staff will publish the amended hearing notice and the revised ordinance language. County Administrator Utt told the Board he expected to receive a finalized state budget in mid-June and asked the Board to consider the county budget on June 11 with the possibility of amendments in July.
What happens next: The Board scheduled the amended hearing notice for June 25 (with a possible relocation to Marion Senior High School) and earlier agreed to hold an informational session to help residents understand proposed ordinance changes and potential impacts. Any developer seeking a data center will now need to apply for a special-use permit, subject to public review and conditions under county zoning.
