Overview
- The Board of County Supervisors voted unanimously 8-0 on Wednesday to adopt a zoning amendment that stops countywide by-right data center development and requires future projects to seek special use permits before the board.
- The board approved the change under a 90-day grace period set by Brentsville Supervisor Tom Gordy, a window critics fear could prompt a short-term rush of applications.
- County planners deferred detailed setback and buffer rules to separate proceedings with staff aiming for a Planning Commission hearing in November and a board hearing in January.
- Dominion Energy’s proposed Vint Hill substation expansion, intended to provide power for several data center buildings, remains contested by neighbors who cite proximity, noise and health concerns and by supervisors who say the county is power-constrained.
- Residents pressed the board at multiple town halls and rallies to regain local control over siting, while industry groups and Dominion argue data centers bring jobs, tax revenue and grid reliability issues that will require utility upgrades and possible state action next year.