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.
Campbell County
Pro-Data Center Policies
Campbell County allows data centers by right in Industrial-Heavy zones and permits them in Industrial-General zones through special-use approval, which adds an approval step.
current law · County measureThis amendment added the definition of “Data Center” in §22-2(B)(42), made data centers a special-use activity in Industrial-General zoning, and made them a by-right activity in Industrial-Heavy zoning.Campbell County Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinance 2024 Data Center Amendment
What this means
The change creates a clear path for data centers in both industrial districts: they become allowed by right in Industrial-Heavy zoning and eligible by special-use approval in Industrial-General zoning. The special-use process adds an approval hurdle in one district, but overall the zoning changes make development more feasible.
People behind it
- Campbell County Board of Supervisors
Directed the Mixed Use Residential Structures and Community Mixed Use District provisions at its May 21, 2024 work session and adopted the Chapter 22 amendments on July 16, 2024.
- Economic Development Director
Requested the amendments adding and regulating data centers, including making them a special-use activity in Industrial-General zoning and a by-right use in Industrial-Heavy zoning.
- Virginia General Assembly
Originated the statutory changes requiring the amendments concerning Adult Day Center terminology, vested rights and good-faith reliance, and special-use-permit validity.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Data centers in the Industrial-General (I-G) zoning district require a special use permit, creating an additional approval requirement beyond ordinary by-right development.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4
The ordinance adds a formal definition of “Data Center” in §22-2(B)(42), allowing data centers to be specifically addressed in the zoning regulations. Adds the definition of Data Center
In the Industrial-General (I-G) district, data centers are allowed as a special-use activity. This permits them to be developed in I-G areas with approval of a special use permit rather than requiring rezoning. Makes data centers a special use activity in Industrial General zoning
In the Industrial-Heavy (I-H) district, data centers are permitted by right, eliminating the need for a special use permit for that use, subject to the district’s other applicable requirements. Makes data centers a by-right activity in Industrial Heavy zoning
Section 22-7 is updated to recognize good-faith reliance and vested rights in zoning decisions. A data-center project that satisfies the applicable requirements for vesting may receive protection against later zoning changes, subject to the section’s vesting standards. Conforms the language of the County code to the current language for good faith reliance and vested rights
Sources
Specific to Campbell County only.
expired · Unincorporated areasCampbell County's December 2, 2025 emergency ordinance removed data centers as a by-right Industrial-Heavy use and required a special use permit.Campbell County Emergency Ordinance Amending Chapter 22-15(A)(17), Data Centers
What this means
The amendment would remove data centers as a by-right use and require a special use permit in Industrial-Heavy zones, adding a public approval step and allowing the Board to deny or condition projects. That creates a significant hurdle and uncertainty for new centers or expansions, though it is not a ban.
People behind it
- Campbell County Board of Supervisors
Adopting body; final ordinance moved on motion of Supervisor Cline.
- F.E. 'Tripp' Isenhour, III
County Attorney; prepared amendment memorandum.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Removes data centers as a by-right use in Industrial-Heavy Zones, adding discretionary special-use review.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The emergency amendment would not impact any projects that had vested rights. Data centers remain possible as a special use only use.
Sources
expired · County measure: Industrial-Heavy zonesCampbell County adopts an amendment to Chapter 22-15(A)(17) removing data centers as a by-right use in Industrial-Heavy zones and making them a special-use-only use under Chapter 22-15(A)(28).Campbell County Chapter 22 Data Center Special-Use-Permit Ordinance and 120-Day Measure
What this means
The measure would require a special-use permit for data centers in Industrial-Heavy zones instead of allowing them automatically, adding a public review step and potential delay. It does not ban data centers and applies only in those zones, so the added hurdle is meaningful but limited. Data centers would become a special-use-only use in Industrial-Heavy zones
People behind it
- Campbell County Board of Supervisors
Adopting body
- Matt Cline
Moves adoption
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Removes data centers as a by-right use in Industrial-Heavy Zones and makes them special-use-only uses.
Sources
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