Proposed Zoning Rewrite Sparks Data Center Questions in Franklin County
News Clip2:06WDBJ7·Franklin County, VA·5/6/2026
Franklin County, Virginia is undertaking a rewrite of its zoning ordinance, which has raised concerns among residents that it could open the door for data center development. While no data centers have been confirmed, the proposed changes include regulations addressing water use, noise, and permissible locations for future data centers.
zoninggovernmentoppositionwaterenvironmental
Gov: Franklin County Government, Franklin County Board of Supervisors
Franklin County, Virginia, is currently revising its zoning ordinance, a process that has prompted concerns among some residents regarding potential data center development. Although county leaders, represented by Board Member Mike Meredith, assert that the rewrite is a comprehensive effort to protect citizens from various possibilities, residents like Christine Sizemore of the Franklin County Community Coalition believe the changes could facilitate the entry of data centers into the county.
The proposed 400-plus page document includes specific regulations for data centers, such as banning future facilities from using private wells, imposing stricter noise limits on cooling systems, and designating specific areas where data centers could be built. Sizemore submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to investigate these concerns, revealing an email indicating the county's interest in advertising for data centers. Meredith maintains that the updated ordinance is designed to establish protective measures for any potential development rather than specifically targeting data centers.