Developer appealing permit requirement for data center project in Chesterfield

Reston-based developer WestDulles Properties is appealing a Chesterfield County planning department ruling that its proposed 430-acre data center project requires a conditional-use permit. The developer claims the project should be grandfathered under the previous zoning ordinance which allowed data centers by right in the I-3 Heavy Industrial district. Chesterfield County planning director Andy Gillies determined the project would require a conditional-use permit under the new zoning ordinance that went into effect on January 1, 2026 and made data centers a conditional use. The appeal will be heard by the Chesterfield Board of Zoning Appeals in May. WestDulles argues it has vested rights to develop the project without the additional permit requirement.