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The Data Center Divide

Botetourt County

Neutral Data Center Policies

Botetourt County allows data centers in its Research and Advanced Manufacturing district at Greenfield business park; an enacted commission reviews the proposed campus for six months.

current law · County measure
Botetourt County's release reports a 3-1 vote creating an independent commission to assess the proposed Google campus's environment, infrastructure, utility resources, and overall quality of life impacts.Botetourt County Board of Supervisors Resolution Establishing an Independent Commission to Assess the Proposed Google Data Center Campus (July 28, 2026)

What this means

The measure creates a six-month independent review of the proposed campus, which could add some scrutiny or delay. But it does not itself ban data centers or change their approval or operating rules; the commission’s task is to assess and report anticipated impacts.

Timing

Reporting deadline is six months after members are appointed, extendable by the Board. Appointment date and legal termination date unverified.

People behind it

  • Appoints commission members

  • Campus developer under review

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • Adds scrutiny through a written report to the Board of Supervisors, not a verified binding developer condition.

Sources

current law · County measure: Research and Advanced Manufacturing (RAM) zoning district at Botetourt Center at Greenfield
Botetourt County approved a Zoning Ordinance Amendment on November 26, 2024 to define and permit data centers within the RAM district.Botetourt County Zoning Ordinance Amendment — Data Centers in the Research and Advanced Manufacturing District (November 26, 2024)

What this means

The amendment would make data centers a permitted use in the County’s Research and Advanced Manufacturing district, allowing development there without a separate zoning change; that district is limited to the Greenfield business park (data centers would be allowed only in the RAM use district). This meaningfully enables data center projects at that location, but it does not provide financial incentives or remove other permitting requirements.

People behind it

  • Approves zoning amendment.

  • Participates in joint hearing.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • Geographic limitation: Greenfield is the only location where a data center could be located.

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1

  • Adds a defined, permitted data-center use in RAM: define and permit data centers within the RAM.

Sources

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