Prince William supervisors vote to end by-right data center development countywide

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors in Virginia has unanimously voted 8-0 to approve a landmark zoning text amendment that ends by-right data center development countywide. This pivotal decision, initiated by the Board on June 9 and approved on Tuesday, mandates that all future data center projects will require a special use permit and direct approval from the Board.

The amendment includes a 90-day grace period for data centers already built, under construction, or those with site plans that have passed a quality control threshold, as proposed by Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy. Supervisor George Stewart initially advocated for a zero-day grace period, citing concerns about a "gold rush" of proposals, but his substitute motion failed 3-5. Chair Deshundra Jefferson emphasized the need for compromise and legal guidance during an impromptu closed session before the vote.

Further discussions on data center setbacks from residential areas and schools were tabled for a later date. County Planning Director Tanya Washington indicated staff aim for a November public hearing before the Planning Commission on the setback proposal, with a Board hearing targeted for January. The Planning Commission had previously reached a compromise, recommending a 120-day grace period and a 500-foot buffer after initial impasses.