The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Amherst County
Anti-Data Center Policies
Amherst County allows data centers only in industrial zones, with public hearings and a special-exception permit required. Projects also face paid technical review and ongoing standards for water, noise, and monitoring; they are not banned outright.
current law · County measureAmherst County's August 18, 2026 agenda identifies Ordinance 2026-6 Data Centers.Amherst County Zoning Ordinance Amendment (August 18, 2026)
What this means
The measure allows data centers only in industrial zones and requires a special-exception permit with public hearings, creating a significant approval hurdle. It also adds paid technical review and ongoing standards for issues like water, noise, and monitoring, though it does not ban projects outright (special-exception permit only in industrial-zoned districts; independent third-party technical review).
People behind it
- Amherst County Board of Supervisors
Votes 3-2 to approve the ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
Ends by-right status: data centers will no longer be considered a “by-right” use.
Developers must now secure a special exception permit before any construction can begin.
Facilities are allowable by special exception permit only in industrial-zoned districts and subject to strict new regulatory and development standards. Detailed enacted numerical standards remain unverified.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Data centers may be approved by special exception in industrial-zoned districts, providing a route to development if the required permit is granted. Allowable by special exception permit only in industrial-zoned districts.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data