Warren County Supervisors Discuss Proposed Data Center Zoning Amendments

The Warren County Board of Supervisors extensively discussed a proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) for data centers during its July 21st meeting. The ZTA, developed by the County Planning Department, aims to amend Chapter 180 of the Warren County Code to define data centers, allow them as a conditional use in Industrial (I) zoning districts, and establish new performance standards. These standards are expected to address concerns such as water usage, with the article noting that improved water recycling technology could reduce opposition, particularly given the high commercial/industrial tax revenue data centers are projected to generate.

Supervisors considered delaying a final vote to allow for further discussion, including consultation with Town of Front Royal officials. Initially, a motion to postpone the vote for additional information was not acted upon. Subsequently, Supervisor John Stanmeyer made an alternate motion, seconded by Hugh Henry, to set August 18 as the date for a vote, contingent on further discussions being arranged. This motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Although no public hearings were held and few citizens attended the meeting, the board anticipated larger crowds for future discussions on the data center issue. They discussed the logistics of holding high-attendance meetings, favoring public school auditoriums over the Government Center's main meeting room due to anticipated sound issues. The board also addressed other consent agenda items, including a planning commission appointment and a hangar lease.