FRANKLIN CO., Va. – As Franklin County officials continue rewriting the county’s zoning code, proposed regulations surrounding data centers are drawing increased attention from residents concerned about water use, noise and long-term impacts on the community.
The current draft zoning ordinance includes several restrictions aimed at limiting the impact of future data center development, though no projects have officially been announced in the county.
Under the proposal, any data center would have to be located at least 200 feet from non-commercial zoning districts. Accessory structures associated with the facilities would also need to be at least 75 feet from residential properties…