Danville Planning Commission Approves Adding Data Centers to City Code

New regulations set parameters for data center operations in the city.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:45pm

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A photorealistic studio still life of a sleek, polished aluminum and glass server rack, floating on a clean white background and dramatically lit to represent the abstract concepts of data, technology, and corporate strategy.A modern data center server rack stands alone, symbolizing the growing influence of digital infrastructure in Danville's economic future.Danville Today

The Danville Planning Commission has recommended approving amendments to the city's Unified Development Code to allow for the establishment of data centers within Danville. The proposed regulations set requirements around the size of land parcels, setbacks, screening, and location restrictions for data center operations.

Why it matters

The move comes as Danville has seen increased interest from data center operators, including an agreement between the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority and SAC III Acquisition Co., LLC to purchase nearly 3,000 acres for a major new data center project. Establishing clear zoning and development rules for data centers aims to balance economic growth with community concerns.

The details

The proposed amendments to Danville's code would require data centers to be located on parcels of at least 150 acres, be situated at least 500 feet from any residential properties, and prohibit them from operating within existing industrial parks. The regulations also mandate extensive screening and enclosure of all data center equipment and infrastructure.

  • On Monday, the Danville Planning Commission recommended approving the amendments.
  • Danville City Council will vote on adding data centers to the city code on May 5.

The players

Danville Planning Commission

The local government body responsible for reviewing and recommending changes to Danville's zoning and development regulations.

SAC III Acquisition Co., LLC

An affiliate of Stack Infrastructure, a developer and operator of data centers with eight locations across the United States. SAC III Acquisition Co. has entered into an agreement to purchase nearly 3,000 acres in Danville for a major new data center project.

Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority

The regional economic development organization that owns the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill, where SAC III Acquisition Co. plans to develop its new data center.

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What’s next

Danville City Council will vote on adding data centers to the city's code of ordinances on May 5.

The takeaway

Danville is proactively establishing zoning and development regulations for data centers to balance economic growth opportunities with community concerns around land use, environmental impacts, and quality of life. The proposed rules aim to ensure any future data center projects are sited and operated in a way that minimizes disruption to nearby residential areas.