Stokes County voids data center rezoning approval over notice violation
News Clip0:55WFMY News 2·Walnut Cove, Stokes County, NC·4/15/2026
Stokes County commissioners voided the rezoning approval for a proposed data center near Walnut Cove due to a public notice violation cited in a lawsuit. The county's notice for a December public hearing was sent out too early, requiring the entire approval process to restart. The developer plans to reapply, but neighbors continue to raise concerns about noise and environmental impact.
zoninglegaloppositionenvironmental
Gov: Stokes County, Stokes County Commissioners, Planning Board
Stokes County, North Carolina, has voided the rezoning approval for a proposed data center project near Walnut Cove. The decision was made by county commissioners after a lawsuit alleged that the county failed to adhere to state law regarding public notice for a December hearing. Specifically, the public hearing notice was sent out 31 days in advance, exceeding the allowed window of 10 to 25 days before the meeting.
This legal technicality means the data center project, planned for an area off Highway 311 by the Dan River, must restart its approval process from the beginning. This includes new public meetings, a review by the planning board, and another vote by county commissioners. The developer, whose name was not specified, has indicated intentions to reapply with essentially the same proposal.
The project has faced opposition from local residents, who have voiced concerns regarding potential noise pollution and environmental impact. Despite the setback, the project is not considered dead, as county leaders still have the option to approve it again once the proper procedures are followed.