Hillsville Town Council passes restrictions on data centers and solar farms
The Hillsville Town Council unanimously passed new additions to its town code, implementing restrictions on data centers and solar energy farms. These regulations aim to control data center development by setting limits on height, setbacks, and noise, and by requiring extensive environmental and impact studies. The council's action reflects a strategy to regulate rather than ban data centers, acknowledging state law limitations.
The Hillsville Town Council unanimously passed new additions to its town code, implementing restrictions on data centers and solar energy farms seeking to establish within town limits. Town Attorney Trent Crewe explained that while state law prevents outright bans on data centers, localities can impose significant regulations, which this ordinance aims to do.
The new ordinance for data centers introduces stringent requirements for Special Exemption Permits, mandating studies on site assessment, energy sources, environmental impact, and noise. Key restrictions include a maximum height of 45 feet, a 50-foot vegetation buffer, 100-foot setback from streets, and a 1000-foot setback from residences or schools. Noise levels are capped at 55 decibels during the day and 50 decibels at night at residential property lines, with specific generator testing hours.
Developers must provide extensive technical specifications, engineering plans, and documentation, ensuring compliance with air quality regulations. They also need to detail cooling methods, water sources, usage, and recycling plans. Following this rigorous application, projects still require public hearings before the planning commission and the town council, which holds final approval or denial authority. Mayor Greg Crowder acknowledged the council's previous caution, stating they wanted to properly regulate rather than face litigation from an outright ban, as seen in other localities like Warrington.
Similar restrictions were also passed for solar farms, including height limits, setbacks, and a requirement for owners to cover decommissioning and land restoration costs. The council's unanimous vote on these measures followed a calmer session compared to a previous meeting that saw passionate opposition to data centers.