Amherst County, VA

Board of Supervisors

Service Authority Board

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

Agricultural Committee

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

Board of Supervisors

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Agricultural Committee

General

Planning Commission

Board of Supervisors

General

Board of Supervisors

General

Agricultural Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

Board of Supervisors

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Agricultural Committee

General

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

Board of Supervisors

General

Agricultural Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

Board of Supervisors

Agricultural Committee

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Supervisors

Planning Commission

General

General

Agricultural Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

The Rt. 29 Business Beautification Committee is meeting to approve minutes, interview membership applicants, and discuss a flagpole and a Mi Fitness mini grant. The agenda is mostly routine administrative items with no major decisions listed.

• Approval of July 28, 2026 meeting minutes
• Membership interviews for applicants
• Flagpole discussion
• Mi Fitness mini grant discussion

Planning Commission

The Amherst County Planning Commission is meeting to elect a Chair and Vice Chair, hold public hearings on two items (a Verizon Wireless proposal and a Stedman application), and discuss manufactured homes and industrial standards. The agenda also includes site plan updates and approval of the July 16, 2026 meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions are listed.

• Public hearing: 2026-436 Cellco Partnership DBA Verizon Wireless, c/o Stuart Squier
• Public hearing: 2026-357 Stedman
• Discussion: Manufactured Homes
• Discussion: Industrial Standards
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on two special exception requests (Harris and Harper) and two ordinances: one regulating vape shops and medical cannabis, and another on data centers. The board will also consider adopting the FY27 Fair and CSA budget, a memorandum of agreement with schools for Kilgore Park, and several appropriations for the Sheriff's Office and Fire/EMS.

• Special Exception 2026-349 Harris
• Special Exception 2026-356 Harper
• Ordinance 2026-5 Vape Shops and Medical Cannabis
• Ordinance 2026-6 Data Centers
• FY27 Fair and CSA Budget Adoption

Board of Zoning Appeals

General

The Board will review monthly revenue and expenditure reports from the Administrator. Discussion topics include Mill Creek Lake, an incident at Seminole Dog Park, pet leash signage at the Blue Ridge Rail Trail, and the Riveredge Park climbing wall.

• Mill Creek Lake issues
• Seminole Dog Park incident report
• Blue Ridge Rail Trail pet leash signs
• Riveredge Park climbing wall update

Agricultural Committee

Board of Supervisors

The agenda for this meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. The board will review and approve minutes from the July 9th and January 8th, 2026 meetings.

• Approval of July 9th, 2026 meeting minutes
• Approval of January 8th, 2026 meeting minutes

Service Authority Board

The Amherst County Service Authority Board will meet to discuss a water line extension on Crabapple Lane. The board will also review a financial report from June 30, 2026, and an emergency procurement for the Ivanhoe WWTP.

• Crabapple Lane Water Line Extension
• Purchase of Cat 308 Excavator
• Ivanhoe WWTP Emergency Procurement
• ACSA Commemorative Resolution ACSA-2026-CR-3
• Financial Report - June 30, 2026

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors will hold its regular meeting on August 4, 2026. The board will first-read two ordinances: one regulating data centers and another addressing vape shops and medical cannabis. The meeting also includes a land transfer to the Amherst Fire Department and a briefing on an audit.

• First-read of Ordinance 2026-6 Data Centers
• First-read of Ordinance 2026-5 Vape Shops and Medical Cannabis
• Land transfer to Amherst Fire Department
• Briefing on Audit
• Resolution 2026-18-R 2027 CIP Reimbursement

General

The Rt. 29 Business Beautification Committee is holding a routine meeting to approve minutes from May, consider membership applications, discuss replacing a flag pole, and set goals and objectives for fiscal year 2027. No financial amounts or binding decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of May 26, 2026 meeting minutes
• Membership applications for the committee
• Discussion of replacing a flag pole
• Setting FY27 goals and objectives

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing regarding the FY26 Budget Amendment. The meeting includes discussions on a budget request and a supplemental appropriation for Amherst County Public Schools.

• Public hearing on FY26 Budget Amendment
• Request for Supplemental Appropriation to Amherst County Public Schools
• Winton Agreement
• Janitorial Contracts
• Commemorative Resolutions for Drew Wade, John Mann, and Kay Rowe

The Board approved an amendment to the FY26 budget to reconcile revenues and expenditures across several funds. The Board also adopted three commemorative resolutions and made three board appointments. Several items, including the Winton Agreement and budget requests, were tabled.

• Approved FY26 budget amendment and appropriations (5-0)
• Adopted Commemorative Resolution 2026-1-CR for Drew Wade (5-0)
• Adopted Commemorative Resolution 2026-2-CR for John Mann (5-0)
• Adopted Commemorative Resolution 2026-3-CR for Kay Rowe (5-0)
• Tabled Winton Agreement and directed staff to advertise for public hearing (5-0)
• Tabled County Budget Request until August 18, 2026 (5-0)
• Tabled Supplemental Appropriation to Amherst County Public Schools until August 18, 2026 (5-0)
• Appointed Glenda Hash to Social Services Board, Wayne Patton to CVCC Board, and Jeremy Bryant as VACo Region 9 representative (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two proposed ordinances: one regulating vape shops and medical cannabis, another establishing new rules for data centers. Two special exception requests (Harris and Harper) are also up for public hearing. Commissioners will discuss manufactured home regulations and receive site plan updates.

• Special Exception 2026-349 Harris
• Special Exception 2026-356 Harper
• Ordinance 2026-5: Vape Shops and Medical Cannabis
• Ordinance 2026-6: Data Centers
• Discussion on Manufactured Homes

The Amherst County Planning Commission recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-6, which reclassifies data centers as a special exception use in the M-1 Industrial District, with changes including a 350-ft setback from residential/agricultural land, increased daytime sound limits, and a 60-ft maximum height. The Commission also recommended approval of a kennel expansion (Special Exception 2026-356) with conditions, a vape shop/medical cannabis ordinance (2026-5), and a photography venue (Special Exception 2026-349). The manufactured homes ordinance was tabled until the August meeting.

• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-6 (data centers) with 350-ft setback, +5 dB daytime sound, 60-ft max height (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Special Exception 2026-356 (kennel expansion to 45 dogs) with conditions (4-2)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2026-5 (vape shops and medical cannabis) as presented (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Special Exception 2026-349 (photography venue) with added condition for receptions near barn (6-0)
• Tabled manufactured homes ordinance until August meeting (6-0)
• Elected Michael Bryant as Chair and Susan Schjonning as Vice Chair (6-0 each)

Agricultural Committee

The Amherst County Agriculture Committee is meeting to continue planning for the 2026 Farm Tour and a Century Farm recognition proposal, as well as to discuss an agriculture services resource listing and receive an Extension Report. No final votes or funding decisions are on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from June 8, 2026 meeting
• Discussion of the 2026 Farm Tour
• Continued proposal for Century Farm recognition
• Development of an agriculture services resource listing
• Extension Report from the Virginia Cooperative Extension

General

The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Development Board will approve the agenda and minutes, review monthly program, revenue, and expenditure reports, and consider several old‑business items including a Day in the Park at Mill Creek Lake and a resolution honoring John Mann. New business will focus on Mill Creek Lake issues and updates to programs and activities. The meeting concludes with any matters by the board and adjournment.

• Day in the Park at Mill Creek Lake
• Presentation of John Mann's Resolution
• Review and discuss the JoJo Allcock plaque
• Review and discuss the sign for the Monroe Ball field honoring John Mann
• Mill Creek Lake Issues

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. The board will also hold a public hearing regarding a specific zoning appeal.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Public hearing for 2026-284 Appeal (Beckner)

The Amherst County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-0 to uphold the Zoning Administrator's April 14, 2026 determination regarding camping in portable facilities on three tax parcels. The board found the administrator's interpretation of the ordinance was correct, and that any changes to limit the number or storage of campers would require a legislative amendment by the Board of Supervisors. The board also elected Bill Wise as Chair and Michael Fitzgerald as Vice Chair, and approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Elected Bill Wise as Chair (3-0)
• Elected Michael Fitzgerald as Vice Chair (3-0)
• Upheld Zoning Administrator's decision on appeal 2026-284 (3-0)
• Approved April 9, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)

Board of Supervisors

Service Authority Board

General

General

The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Development Board is meeting to review department financial and participation reports. The board will discuss resolutions and signage for naming the Monroe ballfield and a room at the Coolwell Community Center.

• Dedication ceremony and sign for naming the Monroe ballfield after John Mann
• Plaque dimensions and details for naming the Coolwell Community Center Room after JoJo Allcock
• Review of department monthly revenue and expenditure reports

Planning Commission

The Amherst County Planning Commission will consider several ordinances including updating data center definitions and special exception classification, regulating recreational substance retailers and medical cannabis facilities, and imposing height restrictions in the M-1 district. The commission will also discuss Wayside Stand and review site plan updates.

• Ordinance 2026-5: Data Center definition update and special exception classification
• Ordinance 2026-6: Recreational Substance Retailers and Medical Cannabis Dispensing Facilities
• Ordinance 2026-4: Height Restrictions in M-1 District
• Wayside Stand discussion
• Site Plan Updates

The Amherst County Planning Commission voted to advertise a public hearing for the data center ordinance (2026-5) with added restrictions, including a 500-foot residential setback and semiannual noise studies. It also advanced a vape shop/cannabis ordinance to a July hearing, tabled the M-1 height restriction ordinance, and declined a wayside stand code change.

• Advertised data center ordinance with 500-ft residential setback, 100-ft B-2 setback, no M-1 setback, and semiannual noise studies (6-0)
• Advertised public hearing for recreational substance retailer and medical cannabis ordinance (6-0)
• Tabled M-1 height restriction ordinance until July (6-0)
• Denied wayside stand code change request (5-1)
• Tabled approval of April and May meeting minutes until July (6-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to discuss a data center ordinance. No other substantive items are listed for decision or discussion.

• Discussion of Data Center Ordinance

The Amherst County Planning Commission met on June 18, 2026, and discussed a proposed data center ordinance that would update the definition, reclassify the use as a special exception, and add provisions for public safety, health, and welfare. The Commission directed staff to incorporate changes and to write a letter to the Service Authority regarding water usage for data centers. No final decision on the ordinance was made; it remains under discussion.

• Elected Michael Martineau as temporary chair (5-0)
• Approved the agenda with no changes (5-0)
• Directed staff to write a letter to the Service Authority regarding water usage for data centers (5-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Special Exception 2026-189 for Norman and Lisa Black. The consent agenda includes appropriations of revenue and funds for the Commonwealth Attorney, Service Authority ARPA project reimbursement, and the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative project, as well as a resolution for Community Development Block Grant funds.

• Public Hearing: Special Exception 2026-189 – Norman and Lisa Black
• Appropriation of Revenue – Commonwealth Attorney (two items)
• Appropriation of Funds – Service Authority ARPA Project Reimbursement
• Appropriation of ARPA Funds – Virginia Telecommunications Initiative Project
• Resolution 2026-15-R – CDBG

The Board approved Special Exception 2026-189 for Norman and Lisa Black, allowing a manufactured home on agricultural-zoned property, subject to conditions including a vegetative buffer and fire access requirements. The Board also approved the consent agenda, which included appropriations for the Commonwealth's Attorney, ARPA reimbursements, and a broadband project. The July 7, 2026 meeting was canceled. The County Attorney stated the county lacks authority to impose a moratorium on data centers, a topic of extensive citizen comment.

• Approved Special Exception 2026-189 for Norman and Lisa Black with conditions.
• Approved the consent agenda, including minutes, appropriations, and Resolution 2026-15-R.
• Approved appropriation of $14,280.00 to the Commonwealth's Attorney's budget.
• Approved appropriation of $7,334.10 to the Commonwealth's Attorney's budget.
• Approved appropriation of $43,895.75 from ARPA funds to reimburse the Service Authority.
• Approved appropriation of $1,066,986.39 from ARPA funds for broadband match.
• Canceled the July 7, 2026 meeting.
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:29 PM.

Board of Zoning Appeals

Agricultural Committee

The Agriculture Committee will meet to review the plan of work and provide updates on local agricultural programs. The body will discuss the 2026 Fall Farm Tour and the Century Farm Program. Planning updates for the 2026 County Fair are also on the agenda.

• 2026 Fall Farm Tour
• Century Farm Program
• 2026 Fair Planning Update

Service Authority Board

The board will hold a public hearing on proposed FY27 water and sewer rate adjustments and consider action on a resolution and a parcel acquisition. Consent items include meeting minutes and the May 2026 financial report. A closed session is scheduled for the executive director's performance discussion.

• Public hearing on ACSA FY27 Water & Sewer Rates Adjustments
• Acquisition of Parcel 148 A 82
• Resolution ACSA-A-001-R
• Employee recognition by Commemorative Resolution ACSA-2026-CR-3 and Virginia Department of Health Silver Award
• Consent agenda: May 5, 2026 minutes and May 2026 financial report

The Amherst County Service Authority Board adopted a 3% adjustment to water and sewer rates for FY 27, which will increase bimonthly bills by an average of $5.00 per customer. The Board also approved the FY 27 budget as presented, with a resolution to be adopted at the next meeting. Additionally, the Board authorized the Executive Director to submit a formal offer to purchase Parcel 148 A 82, and adopted a commemorative resolution honoring William David Fittro for 36 years of service.

• Adopted Resolution ACSA-A-001R applying 3% water and sewer rate adjustments for FY 27 (4-0)
• Approved FY 27 budget as presented, with resolution to be adopted at next meeting (4-0)
• Authorized Executive Director to submit formal offer to purchase Parcel 148 A 82 (4-0)
• Adopted Commemorative Resolution ACSA-2026-CR-3 honoring William David Fittro (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including May 5, 2026 minutes and May 2026 financial report (4-0)
• Adopted June 2, 2026 agenda as amended to include Citizen Concerns/Comments section (4-0)
• Voted to follow Amherst Board of Supervisors regarding July 2026 meeting (4-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors will review a consent agenda that includes several appropriation requests and a Visitor Center lease agreement. They will hold a first reading of Ordinance 2026-4, which sets height restrictions and yard requirements for the M-1 district. New business items include a discussion of a data center and a road‑naming proposal for the Elon Forest Subdivision. Two closed sessions are scheduled to consult legal counsel on the Winton property and a prospective business.

• Ordinance 2026-4 (Height Restrictions and Yard Requirements M-1 District) – first read
• Appropriation Request – Parks and Recreation (consent agenda)
• Visitor Center Lease Agreement with Chamber of Commerce (consent agenda)
• Data Center Discussion (new business)
• Road Naming for Elon Forest Subdivision (new business)

The Board approved three school‑budget appropriations, including $1,628,750.08 of additional revenue for the 2025‑2026 operational budget. It also approved $710,245.89 and $740,000 appropriations for the same budget. The Board directed staff and the Planning Commission to draft a data‑center ordinance for the M‑1 Industrial District by August 2026. Additional actions included appointing a FOIA officer, naming a new road “Willow Creek Way,” and entering and exiting two closed‑session items.

• Approved $1,628,750.08 school revenue appropriation (5‑0)
• Approved $740,000 school year‑end funds appropriation (5‑0)
• Approved $710,245.89 school deferred revenue appropriation (5‑0)
• Directed staff and Planning Commission to draft data‑center ordinance by Aug 2026 (5‑0)
• Approved road name “Willow Creek Way” for Elon Forest Phase Two (5‑0)
• Appointed Alexandra Doss as FOIA Officer (5‑0)
• Entered closed session Item A on Winton property (5‑0)
• Entered closed session Item B on prospective business (AYE: Martin, Adams, Tucker; abstain: Pugh, Campbell; approved)

General

The Rt. 29 Business Beautification Committee will consider a membership application from Scruggs and a mini-grant request from Benkahla & King. The committee will also discuss a grace period for mini-grants and vote on cancelling the June meeting. A beautification award presentation is scheduled.

• Scruggs membership application for committee
• Mini-grant: Benkahla & King (no dollar amount listed)
• Discussion of grace period for mini-grant deadlines
• Proposed cancellation of June 2026 meeting
• Presentation of Rt 29 Beautification Award

Planning Commission

The Amherst County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a special exception application submitted by Norman and Lisa Black (item 5). The commission will also consider Ordinance 2026-4 in a non‑public hearing, review site plan updates, discuss a proposed vape shop, and examine a potential code change regulating RVs. These items constitute the agenda for the May 21, 2026 meeting.

• Public Hearing – Special Exception 2026-189 (Norman and Lisa Black)
• Non‑Public Hearing – Ordinance 2026-4
• Site Plan Review – Site Plan Updates
• Old/New Business – Vape Shop Discussion
• Old/New Business – Potential Code Change: Regulation of RVs

The Amherst County Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a special exception for a manufactured home on Route 130, and approved an ordinance increasing height limits to 125 feet in the M-1 Industrial District. They also directed staff to draft ordinances regulating vape/medical cannabis shops and data centers, but declined to draft an RV regulation ordinance. Minutes from April were tabled due to lack of quorum.

• Recommended approval of Special Exception 2026-189 for manufactured home on Route 130 (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2026-4 increasing height limit to 125 feet in M-1 Industrial District (5-0)
• Directed staff to draft ordinance for vape shops and medical cannabis shops (5-0)
• Declined to direct staff to draft RV regulation ordinance
• Directed staff to research data center regulations and draft ordinance (5-0)
• Tabled approval of April 16 minutes until June meeting (5-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors will discuss a VDOT Rural Rustic Six‑Year Road Plan, a conditional rezoning (2026‑062 Believabuild), and a CDBG Block Grant. The meeting also includes a resolution honoring the Amherst County Museum & Historical Society’s 50th anniversary and routine appropriations for parks, recreation, and the Commonwealth Attorney.

• Public hearing on VDOT Rural Rustic Six Year Road Plan
• Conditional Rezoning 2026-062 Believabuild
• CDBG Block Grant discussion
• Resolution 2026-9-R for Amherst County Museum & Historical Society 50th Anniversary
• Appropriation for Parks and Recreation

The Board approved the VDOT Rural Rustic Six‑Year Road Plan and a conditional rezoning (2026‑062) that changes 1.731 acres from commercial to residential use at 138 and 124 Cedar Gate Road. The Consent Agenda items, including an $8,500 park grant appropriation, were also approved. Several board appointments were made.

• Approved VDOT Rural Rustic Six‑Year Road Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Rezoning 2026‑062 for 138 & 124 Cedar Gate Road (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda items, including $8,500 park grant (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026‑9‑R recognizing museum’s 50th anniversary (unanimous)
• Appointed Robert Baxter to Planning Commission District 1 (unanimous)
• Appointed Dorisia Belford to Community Policy & Management Team (unanimous)
• Adjoined minutes of May 5 2026 with amendment (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:57 p.m. (unanimous)

General

The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Development Board is meeting to review department financial reports and program participation. The board will discuss naming honors for community facilities and the status of the Tourism Specialist position.

• Naming of a Coolwell Community Center room for JoJo Allcock
• Naming of the Monroe Ballfield for John Mann
• Update on the Paddle Mill Creek program initiative
• Board of Supervisors budget approval
• Tourism Specialist Position