Virginia Beach leaders need to ask detailed questions when data centers want to move in
Virginia Beach has paused consideration of new data center applications for 12 months or until the city establishes zoning rules for the facilities. Experts and planning commissioners are examining potential impacts on water supplies, electricity demand, infrastructure, incentives and local oversight.
Virginia Beach officials are using a temporary pause on new data center applications to develop clearer zoning and oversight rules. The City Council approved a 12-month halt, or a pause until data centers are addressed in zoning regulations, after officials raised concerns that large facilities could otherwise be built by right in industrial districts.
João Ferreira of the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center advised planning commissioners to evaluate proposed facilities’ water and power needs, infrastructure impacts, community benefits and ongoing performance. Commissioners, including John Cromwell, expressed particular concern about water consumption and utility resources, while officials said existing facilities are tied to the subsea cable landing industry and that no new applications have been submitted.