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Ordinance committee proposes data‑center rules; public hearing set for June 25
Summary
The Joint Ordinance Committee recommended zoning rules for data centers — defining small vs. large facilities by size and power, setting setback and noise limits, requiring decommissioning plans and bonds, and asking for pre‑application community meetings; the board agreed to advertise a public hearing for June 25.
The Joint Ordinance Committee reported a proposed amendment to Smyth County's zoning ordinance that would create explicit rules for data centers. Committee members recommended distinguishing small‑scale facilities (under 40,000 square feet and under 10 megawatts) from large‑scale facilities, allow small facilities by right only in the industrial district, and require special‑use permits elsewhere.
The committee proposed specific standards: a decommissioning plan with a county‑held bond, a noise limit not to exceed 55 dBA at the property line, 60‑foot setbacks from property lines, vegetative buffers to mitigate visual and acoustic impacts, minimal/night‑shielded lighting, and a requirement that companies hold a community meeting and enhanced advertising before a public hearing. The committee unanimously recommended scheduling a public hearing on June 25 to consider the ordinance amendment.
During discussion supervisors asked about employment impacts and definitions; committee members said definitions and employment thresholds will be added to the draft. The item was set for public hearing advertising and will return with draft ordinance language.
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