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Planning board finds zoning text amendment consistent; bans cryptocurrency mining, sets data-center standards
Summary
Buncombe County planning staff presented a text amendment that would ban cryptocurrency mining, impose special-use or operational standards on data centers, and allow government protective services in more districts; the board found the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan and the motion carried.
The Buncombe County Planning Board held a public hearing on ZPH 2024-00024 and voted to find the proposed zoning text amendment consistent with the county comprehensive plan, advancing it toward the county commissioners.
Staff told the board the amendment adds definitions for "cryptocurrency mining" and "data center," changes some permitted-use listings to require special use permits, and establishes operational standards for data centers. In the presentation staff summarized the proposal, saying, "cryptocurrency mining would not be allowed in any district." The proposed operational standards included a required sound study, that a data center’s operation be "completely enclosed within a building," a 100-foot separation for HVAC systems and generators from residential zones, and restricted hours for generator maintenance and testing.
Board members raised concerns that data-center operations — including AI-related centers — can have substantial energy, water and noise impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. Staff and members discussed regulating the impacts of an operation rather than attempting to regulate by end user. Staff said it would bring the permitted-use module back to the board with options including thresholds and additional special-use standards for larger facilities.
By voice vote the board approved the motion to find the amendment consistent with the Buncombe County comprehensive plan and the motion carried. The planning staff will return with updated draft language and the permitted-use module for further review and to support the next steps before the county commissioners.
