Lynchburg City Council Votes to Tighten Data Center Zoning Rules, Adding Oversight
Lynchburg City Council has unanimously approved an update to its data center zoning ordinance, transitioning certain city districts from "by right" to "conditional use" permits. This change aims to provide the Council with additional oversight, addressing public concerns about data center impacts, particularly regarding electricity and water usage.
Lynchburg City Council recently voted unanimously to approve an update to its data center zoning ordinance, aiming to increase oversight on future data center developments. The new policy converts certain city districts from "by right" permits to "conditional use" permits for data centers, giving the Council an additional layer of review and control. This decision comes as residents continue to voice concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, specifically their significant consumption of water and electricity.
The report by WDBJ7's Robert Westerman, live from Lynchburg City Hall, highlighted that Lynchburg currently has no data centers but is proactively establishing stricter regulations. This move aligns with similar actions taken by neighboring localities in Virginia. For instance, the City of Roanoke recently decided to require a special exemption for data centers in certain areas, and Campbell County's Board of Supervisors now mandates a special use permit for data centers in any zoning area. These measures reflect a broader trend among local governments to find ways to mitigate public worries regarding data center growth.