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Ordinance committee discusses data center zoning, plans to seek state exemption for Smyth County
Summary
The ordinance committee reviewed draft approaches to allow data centers up to a size threshold in industrial zoning with larger facilities handled by special use permit, discussed junkyard ordinance alignment with state code, and said staff would return with draft ordinance language; committee members also said they would pursue legislation to add Smyth County to a state exemption list related to topography.
The Smyth County ordinance committee reported a discussion on draft zoning language to regulate data centers and to align junkyard provisions with state code.
Committee members described a recommendation to allow data centers up to a defined size in industrial zones while requiring special‑use permitting for larger facilities; staff will draft ordinance language for the committee’s next meeting and the next step will include public hearings on any proposed amendment. Committee members also reviewed perceived conflicts between state code and current county zoning on junkyards and recommended revising local language to align with state rules.
Because some state code provisions include exemptions for certain localities based on topography, committee members said they had contacted Delegate Cornett and Senator Hackworth and planned to seek legislation to add Smyth County to the exemption list. No ordinance changes were adopted at the meeting; staff will return with draft language and public hearings if the committee elects to proceed.
