Amherst board votes 3-2 to approve new data center ordinance
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to approve a new ordinance regulating data centers. This new rule requires future data centers to obtain a special exception permit and restricts them to industrial-zoned districts. This decision followed an emotionally charged public hearing.
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors, after a public hearing, approved a new ordinance regulating data centers with a 3-2 vote. The new rules stipulate that data centers will now be allowable only by special exception permit in industrial-zoned districts. Previously, they were permitted by right in M-1 industrial zones.
The revised ordinance mandates that any future data center project must undergo a public hearing before both the Amherst County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors before a special exception permit can be granted. Board members Claudia Tucker, Frank Campbell, David Pugh, Chris Adams, and Tom Martin were present for the discussion and vote on the ordinance.