Davis, West Virginia, Renews Zoning Debate in Wake of Proposed Data Center and Housing Developments
Davis, West Virginia residents are advocating for a new zoning ordinance after a previous attempt failed, citing concerns over proposed developments including an affordable housing project. The lack of zoning also affects a proposed data center complex in Tucker County, despite a state law limiting local government's ability to regulate state-certified data centers. The Davis Planning Commission is being reactivated to draft the new ordinance.
Davis, West Virginia, residents are reigniting efforts to establish a town-wide zoning ordinance, a measure previously rejected by voters in 2024. The renewed push comes amid concerns over the lack of regulatory control for new developments, exemplified by a proposed eight-townhouse affordable housing project by the nonprofit Blackwater Ridge on Rapp Drive, and a larger data center complex planned near Davis and Thomas. Residents, including Erin Pregley, voiced apprehension over increased traffic and density, while others, like JoJo Pregley, highlighted the need for zoning to manage issues like short-term rentals and ensure sufficient permanent housing.
Mayor Al Tomson acknowledged the Town Council's current inability to restrict development without a comprehensive zoning ordinance, stating that "any kind of structure and any kind of business" can proceed. The previous zoning attempt failed due to being perceived as too broad and restrictive, a point echoed by JoJo Pregley, who noted that efforts to narrow its scope came too late. To advance the new zoning initiative, Tomson indicated the Davis Planning Commission would be reactivated to draft a revised ordinance.
The proposed data center complex by Fundamental Data near Davis and Thomas further illustrates the regulatory vacuum. Despite a state law passed last year that prohibits local governments from blocking state-certified data center projects, backers of the complex reportedly noted that Tucker County would be powerless to stop the project even without the state law, simply because it lacks a countywide zoning ordinance. Blackwater Ridge CEO Blake Truman confirmed their housing project is in early planning stages, aiming for eight townhomes, and expressed willingness to respect future zoning laws.