Martinsville Field Notes: Henry County data center changes to be discussed again Tuesday
Henry County supervisors are set to discuss new, stricter amendments to the county's data center zoning ordinance following resident concerns about water, noise, and environmental impacts. The proposed changes include creating a data center district that would require rezoning and special use permits after multiple public hearings. Although residents requested a moratorium, it is not part of the current proposed amendments.
Henry County supervisors are scheduled to review revised amendments to the county's data center zoning ordinance on Tuesday, following significant public input at a previous meeting. The proposed changes aim to implement stricter limitations on data center development within the county.
Brandon Martin, the county's public information officer, explained that the new ordinance would create a "data center district." This would necessitate property rezoning before any applicant could apply for a special use permit, ensuring multiple public hearings are held before a data center is permitted. The previous, less stringent proposal only required data centers to be on industrially zoned property and mandated water impact studies, noise testing, and equipment requirements.
The revisions address concerns raised by over 100 residents at a public hearing last month, who cited issues such as water usage, noise pollution, health impacts, and harm to animal habitats. Although some residents advocated for a moratorium on data centers, this measure is not included in the amendments slated for consideration. Supervisors will potentially vote on the ordinance at their 6 p.m. meeting at the Henry County Administration Building, with no public hearing planned for this session.