Scott County tables data center ordinance
Scott County, Virginia leaders discussed and subsequently tabled a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating data centers. The ordinance includes provisions for special use permits, prompted by resident concerns about unrestricted data center development in the area.
Communities across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia have started to impose restrictions on data centers as the industry expands. Scott County, Virginia leaders recently convened to consider similar measures.
News Channel 11's Zephen Offit reported on the discussion, noting that Scott County residents have expressed significant concerns. Current zoning regulations permit data centers to open anywhere within the county, which residents find problematic given the rural nature of the area. The proposed ordinance under consideration would mandate a special use permit for any new data center development.
After deliberation, Scott County decided to table the data center ordinance for further review, postponing a definitive decision on implementing the new regulations.