Proposed Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, June 25th @7pm


SMYTH COUNTY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED DATA CENTER ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS

MARION, VA – The Smyth County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on June 25, 2026, to consider proposed amendments to the County's zoning ordinance related to data centers.

County staff has received questions from residents regarding the purpose of the hearing and would like to clarify that the proposed ordinance amendment does not approve any specific data center project.

Currently, Smyth County's zoning ordinance allows a "Call Center and/or Data Processing Facility" as a permitted use by right within certain zoning districts. While County staff does not believe modern large-scale data centers clearly fit within that definition, questions have been raised regarding how the ordinance could be interpreted.

The proposed amendment is intended to remove that uncertainty by creating a specific definition for data centers and establishing a process for how such facilities would be reviewed should one ever be proposed.

If adopted, the amendment would:

  • Remove data processing facilities as a by-right use in Commercial and Industrial districts.
  • Create a new definition for "Data Center."
  • Require all data centers to obtain a Special Use Permit before they could be established.
  • Establish operational, environmental, and site development standards specific to data centers.

Importantly, adoption of the ordinance would not approve any specific project. Any future data center proposal would still require a separate public hearing, public notice, and approval by the Smyth County Board of Supervisors before development could occur.

The proposed ordinance does not designate any specific property for a data center, nor is there currently a data center application pending before Smyth County.

The proposed regulations are intended to address issues commonly associated with data centers, including noise, visual impacts, environmental considerations, emergency preparedness, and long-term accountability should a facility cease operations.

County officials encourage residents to review the proposed ordinance and participate in the public hearing process. Public input may result in additional revisions to the proposal before any final decision is made.

A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and an accompanying fact sheet are available at: Proposed text for Data Centers - Revised 5-28-2026

Questions may be directed to Smyth County Administration at (276) 783-3298 Ext. 4 or by email at publichearing@smythcounty.org

SMYTH COUNTY DATA CENTER ORDINANCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & FACT SHEET

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