Smyth County looks to place restrictions on potential data centers

Thursday night, the Smith County Planning Commission considered an amendment that would place rezoning restrictions on potential data centers in the county, eventually approving the restrictions. Clegg Williams, Smyth County’s assistant county administrator, said the intent is to ensure data center facilities are developed as low-intensity, campus-style developments that preserve substantial open space, protect the county’s rural character, minimize environmental impacts, and be compatible with surrounding land uses. The amendment now goes to the Board of Supervisors, which will meet on the second Thursday in September.