Development News for Lynchburg, Virginia

Planning Commission Recommends Data Center Zoning Ordinance Amendments

The Planning Commission considered proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding data centers. The amendments aim to move data centers from being a by-right use in commercial and industrial districts to a conditional use permit (CUP) in industrial and institutional districts (IN2). The proposal includes a new definition for data centers, specific land use standards such as setbacks, screening, and noise monitoring, and updated application requirements for CUPs. Key discussions included buffer distances from residential areas, water usage, noise testing frequency, and the definition of 'premises' in relation to existing institutional uses like universities and hospitals. The commission voted to recommend the proposed ordinance to the City Council with several tweaks, including changing the initial noise study requirement to be conducted within 90 days of occupancy and favoring a 1,000-foot buffer from residential areas.