Fauquier County restricts future data center development with new zoning rules
The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors approved zoning changes that restrict future data center development to planned commercial industrial areas, primarily around Vint Hill. The rules also require special exceptions, underground power lines, and closed-loop or air-cooled systems, citing grid strain, housing proximity and environmental concerns.
Fauquier County supervisors voted 4-1 on Oct. 8 to limit future data center development to land zoned for planned commercial industrial use, removing data centers as a permitted use in business park districts. Future projects in the eligible district will require a special exception and must use closed-loop or air-cooled cooling systems, with power lines placed underground.
The county said business park proposals have generally been unsuccessful and cited electrical grid strain, proximity to housing and environmental impacts. Supervisor Daron Culbertson opposed the amendment, arguing that data centers could provide tax revenue and economic development if developed responsibly. The changes do not affect three projects already approved or under review, including the operational OVHcloud facility.