August 4, 2026 Amherst County Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on August 4, 2026, with significant focus on proposed ordinances regulating data centers and vape shops. The board discussed a draft ordinance for data centers that includes special use permit requirements, noise and height restrictions, setbacks, and water usage limitations. Public comments reflected strong community concern about environmental impacts, noise, water consumption, and health effects related to data centers. The board expressed interest in adopting stringent protections and moving the ordinance forward to a public hearing. Additionally, the board considered an ordinance to regulate vape shops and medical cannabis facilities through zoning and special exception permits, including operational hours and location restrictions. The meeting also addressed capital improvement projects, including a resolution to reimburse expenditures for sheriff vehicles, EMS equipment, and other items pending audit completion. A land transfer to the Amherst Fire Department for generator placement was approved to support emergency services. The board conducted interviews for a library board vacancy and received updates on county parks, tourism, and the ongoing audit process. Motions to advance the data center and vape shop ordinances to public hearings were passed, reflecting the board's intent to strengthen regulatory oversight of industrial and commercial developments in the county.