Smyth County Public Hearings June 25, 2026

The Smyth County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint public hearing on June 25, 2026, to discuss proposed amendments to the county's zoning ordinance regarding data centers. The amendments would repeal existing provisions allowing data processing facilities by right in commercial and industrial districts and instead require data centers to obtain special use permits, subjecting each proposal to individual review and public input. The hearing featured extensive public commentary, with many residents expressing strong opposition to data centers due to concerns about environmental impacts, water usage, noise pollution, increased utility costs, and effects on property values and community character. Several speakers urged for a moratorium or outright ban on data centers, while others supported the special use permit process as a means of regulation. The county attorney clarified that a moratorium is not legally permissible under state law, and regulation must occur through zoning ordinances. No final decisions were made at the hearing; the Planning Commission will consider public input and make recommendations at a future meeting, followed by Board of Supervisors' consideration. The discussion focused heavily on balancing economic development with environmental protection and community well-being.