Christiansburg Town Council to Hold Public Hearing on Data Center Zoning Changes
The Christiansburg Town Council is preparing to hold a public hearing on September 8 to discuss potential changes to its zoning code regarding data center proposals. These changes would require data centers to obtain conditional use permits, providing more oversight on impacts like noise, traffic, electricity, and water usage. This action follows a similar ordinance approved by the Lynchburg city council.
The Christiansburg Town Council is set to hold a public hearing on September 8 at 7 p.m. to consider significant changes to its zoning code concerning data center development. Currently, data centers are permitted "by right" in the General Industrial (I-2) Zoning District. The proposed amendment would introduce a conditional use permit (CUP) requirement for all new data center proposals within this classification.
This move aims to provide the town with greater oversight and the ability to impose conditions to mitigate potential impacts of data center projects, such as the reduction of noise, smoke, dust, traffic congestion, and the establishment of necessary setback requirements. Councilwoman Johana Hicks expressed concerns that additional budget items could necessitate future tax increases, while Councilwoman Kim Bowman cited past lawsuits involving Axon Enterprises, a company that recently secured a police camera contract, as a reason for her reservations about large contracts.
The initiative mirrors actions taken by other Virginia localities, including Lynchburg, where the city council unanimously approved an ordinance on July 14 to require special use permits for data centers. Lynchburg Councilman Chris Faraldi emphasized the need for maximum oversight due to the substantial water and energy consumption, as well as the overall environmental impact, of these facilities.