Franklin County supervisors consider zoning changes amid ongoing data center debate
Franklin County, Virginia supervisors are considering updating the county's nearly 40-year-old zoning ordinance to better regulate future development, including potential data centers. Supervisors noted that 60% of the county's land is currently unzoned, allowing certain projects to proceed without sufficient county oversight. The Board has not yet announced specific zoning changes or a timeline for the update.
The Franklin County, Virginia Board of Supervisors is debating significant changes to the county's zoning policies, which have largely remained untouched for nearly 40 years. Supervisors Tim Tatum and Dan Quinn highlighted that approximately 60% of Franklin County's land is currently unzoned. This lack of zoning, they argue, could allow large infrastructure projects, such as data centers, to be developed through private agreements without adequate county oversight.
Supervisors believe an updated ordinance would provide the county with more robust tools to regulate the placement and development of such projects. Tatum specifically stated that he would vote against a data center proposal if one came before the board, citing concerns about developers approaching farmers in unzoned areas. Quinn acknowledged the complexity of balancing property rights with community concerns regarding undesirable developments. As of now, the Board of Supervisors has not announced specific zoning changes or a timeline for implementing these updates.