Amherst County Passes New Zoning Rules for Vape Shops and Data Centers
Amherst County, Virginia, has approved new zoning ordinances for data centers, moving them from a 'by right' use to requiring a special exception permit. The decision followed a nearly four-hour discussion by the Board of Supervisors, with some residents opposing the new rules as they believe it opens the door for more data center developments in the county.
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors in Virginia recently approved new zoning ordinances related to data centers after nearly four hours of discussion at a standing-room-only meeting. The new rules change data centers from a "by right use" to requiring a special exception permit for any new facility.
While the Board also easily passed restrictions for vape shops to keep them away from children, the primary debate centered on data centers. Some residents argued that enacting any ordinance for data centers, even restrictive ones, is inherently "pro data center" because it outlines a path for such developments to comply and potentially enter the county.