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After packed hearing Henry County removes data centers from zoning changes, directs staff to add safeguards
Summary
Following hours of public testimony about water, noise, fire and environmental impacts, the Board of Supervisors voted to remove data centers from proposed zoning changes and asked staff to return with stronger protections and additional public hearings.
After more than two hours of public comment on proposed zoning ordinance amendments on July 28, the Henry County Board of Supervisors voted to remove “data centers” from the proposed changes and direct staff to return with additional safeguards and public hearings.
Planning staff presented a multi-page zoning update that would, among other revisions, define and set requirements for data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The proposal included items such as a water‑supply impact study, screening, noise and setback standards. The county cautioned the audience that the ordinance had been prepared so the locality would not be "unprotected" if a data center application were submitted.
Hundreds of residents attended the public hearing; dozens addressed the board. Speakers raised water‑use concerns, citing drought sensitivity and potential drawdown of local sources; warned about noise and 24/7 lighting; urged strong decommissioning bonds; and asked for caps on water or separation distances from waterways. One public speaker summarized the sentiment about the proposed water-study approach: "A study that cannot stop anything is not protection. It's a permission slip with footnotes." (Speaker 35). Another repeated a commonly expressed request: a moratorium or stronger local guardrails before permitting data centers in agricultural zones.
Legal counsel advised the board that a moratorium could be legally risky and costly to defend; counsel recommended proceeding with regulation via zoning and special use permits rather than a moratorium. After deliberation the board passed a motion to remove data centers from the ordinance and to have staff return with an improved proposal that includes additional hearings, protections and review. The motion passed 5–0 with one member absent.
Why it matters: Residents and county staff framed the issue as one of balancing economic development against the county’s water resources, rural character and public safety. The board’s action pauses zoning for data centers while leaving the remainder of the ordinance (housing changes, accessory structures, definitions) available for further action.
What's next: Staff will draft revised language and schedule additional public outreach and hearings; the board adopted the other zoning amendments (excluding data centers) later in the meeting.
