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Wythe County planning panel moves to require special-use review for data centers and large energy projects
Summary
The Planning Commission signaled consensus to remove data centers and large energy projects from by-right uses, instead requiring special-use permits to ensure public review and site-specific conditions. Staff will draft ordinance language and map changes for the July meeting.
The Wythe County Planning Commission signaled broad agreement June 22 to remove data centers and large-scale energy projects from by-right uses in industrial and commercial zones and require a special-use permit process to allow public input and site-specific review. Planning staff told commissioners the county cannot legally impose a blanket prohibition on particular uses but can shift those uses to a special-use category that triggers public hearings.
Planning staff said, "We cannot by law blanket prohibit uses," and advised commissioners that moving data centers, solar farms, battery storage and similar projects into special-use review would be the lawful option that preserves local oversight. Several commissioners voiced support for that approach, noting concerns about water, noise and other local impacts.
Why it matters: Commissioners said special-use permitting preserves the county’s ability to weigh project-specific impacts—on water supply, visual character and nearby residences—rather than removing review entirely. Commissioners cited recent experiences elsewhere and asked staff to craft clear special-use standards and notification procedures so neighbors can comment at public hearings.
Commission debate and direction: Commissioners did not endorse an outright ban. Instead, a majority agreed to keep a single industrial district for simplicity but to remove energy and data projects from by-right allowances. "Make all energy applications a special use," one commissioner said, calling out data centers, solar, wind, battery storage and waste‑to‑energy facilities as examples. Planning staff noted that Senate Bill 347 (and its House companion previously discussed) limits some local controls on renewable siting but that the current statutory framework still allows the county to require special-use review in many cases.
Staff next steps: The commission directed staff to return to the July meeting with ordinance language and map adjustments reflecting the change in how large energy and data uses will be treated. That draft will be posted for public comment and scheduled for the commission’s review as old business at the next regular meeting.
