Virginia: Amherst County Restricts Vape Shops and Tightens Data Center Rules

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors has approved major zoning changes restricting where vape shops, medicinal marijuana dispensaries, and data centers can operate. Following a four-hour meeting, county leaders enacted these rules to protect children and establish local oversight on energy-intensive developments.

New Buffer Zones for Vape Shops and Dispensaries

Under the newly approved rules, vape shops and medicinal marijuana dispensaries are prohibited from opening within one mile of any school, public park, library, or place of worship. Additionally, new shops cannot open within one mile of any existing vape retailer or dispensary.

Board member Claudia Tucker defended the restrictions, framing them as a necessary measure for child safety. “There’s everything from heavy metals to illegal substances in them, and I don’t think anybody here wants our children subjected to that,” Tucker stated during the meeting.

Data Centers Lose “By-Right” Development Status

While the vape shop restrictions faced no public opposition, the proposed regulations for data centers sparked intense debate among Amherst County residents. Under the new ordinance, data centers are no longer classified as a “by-right” use in the county.

Developers must now obtain a special exception permit before starting construction. Any future facility will also have to comply with strict regulatory and development standards.

Community Debate Over Data Center Regulations

Some residents argued that establishing a regulatory framework might signal to developers that the county is inviting these energy-intensive facilities. “Putting the ordinance in at all is inherently pro-data center because you’re outlining a path,” one resident remarked during public comments.

Other residents urged the board to implement immediate regulations to ensure the county maintains control over future industrial projects, even if they personally opposed data centers. Supervisors voted to approve the regulations to secure local oversight.

Author
Recent Posts

Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.