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The Data Center Divide

Shenandoah County

Anti-Data Center Policies

Shenandoah County requires data centers to obtain a special-use permit and complete extensive studies before approval. Water, noise, setback, and generator rules impose limits, but development remains possible if approved.

current law · County property outside incorporated towns
Shenandoah County's ordinance, certified as adopted June 23, 2026, adds Article XXIII, Data Center Development.Shenandoah County Zoning Text Amendment 26-06-01 (2026)

What this means

Data centers would need a special-use permit and extensive studies before approval, rather than being allowed by right (special use permit). Water, noise, setback, and generator rules add substantial costs and limits, but development remains possible if the County approves it.

People behind it

  • Adopting body

  • Recommends approval

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3

  • Requires special use permits, 200-foot structure separation, and conditional 300-foot equipment separation.

  • Requires public water or qualifying cooling alternatives: be served by public water supply.

  • Operational limits not exceed 55 dBA or 65 dBC, subject to baseline exception and Board conditions; recurring studies and community meeting required.

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions3

  • Defined approval path through special use permits.

  • Board may by special use permit approve an alternate water supply source.

  • Exempts qualifying ordinary server rooms, telecommunications closets.

Sources

Specific to Shenandoah County only.

pending · County measure
Shenandoah County ZTA 26-11-01 would update data centers and on-site power generation facilities, including separate special use permit requirements for on-site generation and revised siting, noise, water, monitoring and decommissioning standards.Shenandoah County Zoning Text Amendment 26-11-01 (2026)

What this means

If enacted, this would create significant hurdles: data centers would need special-use approval and extensive studies, and would face water, noise, setback, and equipment rules (special-use and review requirements). Some flexibility remains through Board-approved exceptions, and the measure raises the industrial height limit, but those benefits do not offset the added approval burden and operating limits (height increase).

People behind it

  • Joint hearing bodies

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • Would establish separate special use permit requirements for on-site power generation facilities; proposal is not binding until adopted.

Sources

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