Henry County adopts “stringent” regulations on data centers
Henry County, Virginia, has adopted new zoning ordinance amendments to create a specific Data Center (D-C) District. These regulations impose stringent requirements on future data center developments, including setbacks, noise limits, specific cooling systems, and detailed impact analyses for water and electricity. The new process also provides additional opportunities for public input during rezoning and special use permit applications.
Henry County, Virginia, has officially amended its zoning ordinance to implement a new Data Center (D-C) District, establishing comprehensive regulations for the future siting and operation of data centers within the county. The Board of Supervisors, led by Chairman Jim Adams, approved these changes following a public hearing on July 28, incorporating significant public input to create "reasonable, enforceable standards" that address potential development impacts.
Under the new ordinance, data centers will only be permitted within the D-C District through a special use permit (SUP) approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. No property is currently zoned D-C, meaning any future applicant must first request a rezoning to this district, a process that requires public hearings before both the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. An additional public hearing will be held by the BZA for the SUP application, allowing for further conditions to be imposed.
The adopted regulations are described as "stringent" and include increased setbacks of 1,000 feet from non-industrial properties and 500 feet from industrial zones, a maximum operational noise level of 50 dBA, and a prohibition on pure tone noise near residential areas. Applicants must provide third-party acoustical impact analyses and conduct post-construction and annual noise testing. Water-use requirements permit only closed-loop cooling systems, banning evaporative cooling, and mandate a third-party water supply impact study. Electrical infrastructure impact analyses are also required, along with documentation of adequate utility capacity. Additional provisions cover emergency power, screening, lighting, emergency response planning developed with the Henry County Department of Public Safety, and decommissioning requirements with financial assurance.