Amherst commission talks data centers, mulls special exception route
The Amherst County Planning Commission is investigating a proposal to change zoning rules, which would require data centers to obtain a special use permit and be restricted to industrial zones. This action follows a request from a county resident.
The Amherst County Planning Commission has voted to direct county staff to examine a potential zoning amendment for data centers. The decision came after a county resident submitted a letter requesting that data centers be permissible only by special use permit in industrial zoning districts, rather than being allowed by-right. This move indicates that the commission is considering stricter regulations for data center development within the county. The article also notes that reporters from the Richmond Times-Dispatch are covering the county and statewide political discussions surrounding data centers, suggesting a broader regional interest in the topic.