Spartanburg County zoning board upholds denial of data center on Jones Road
The Spartanburg County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously upheld the denial of a proposed 200,000 square foot data center on Jones Road. This decision followed an appeal by developers after county planning staff initially denied the application due to ordinance violations and the consideration of a county-wide data center moratorium. Neighbors had actively protested the project.
The Spartanburg County Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to uphold the denial of a proposed 200,000 square foot data center project on Jones Road.
The initial denial came from the county's planning and development staff in June, citing several violations of the unified land management ordinance. Staff also determined the project was a data center and, due to the county council's consideration of a possible moratorium, declined to accept a second application at that time.
Developers, identified as Jones Road Associates, appealed this decision, stating that communications from the county had been positive until June 26th, leading them to believe the project was on a path to approval. They reported investing over $28 million and felt the county had significantly changed its position. Neighbors of the proposed site actively protested the development.
During the appeal hearing, the board deliberated on whether staff had properly executed their duties, ultimately concluding they had. Following a unanimous vote to uphold the denial, the board informed the developers that they could reapply, but cautioned that a potential moratorium approved by the county council could alter future prospects.