Smyth County Planning Commission 10.22.26

The Smyth County Planning Commission meeting on October 22, 2026, covered meeting minutes and land-use issues. Members approved the August 27 minutes and discussed adding a speaker’s name to the June 25 minutes. During public comment, a resident questioned whether the September 10 zoning ordinance amendment allowing data centers in agricultural districts aligns with the comprehensive plan. Staff said no applications or new Board of Supervisors actions were reported for the month.

Staff offered to prepare a proposal for a future-land-use-map amendment creating a high-energy-use overlay, potentially extending one mile on each side of high-transmission lines, for consideration at the next meeting. No motion or vote was taken on that proposal; any update would require public notice and a hearing. The Commission also asked staff to review whether its bylaws could allow substitutes for committee members and bring recommendations for discussion at the January organizational meeting. No procurement activity, contract awards, or spending decisions were identified.