Chesapeake Planning Commission recommends zoning changes for data centers
The Chesapeake Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval for new zoning ordinances designed to regulate future data center projects by requiring conditional use permits and limiting development to industrial zones. This decision, made after significant public input from residents expressing environmental and resource concerns, now moves to the City Council for final approval. Currently, data centers can be built by-right in some areas, prompting calls for stricter oversight.
The Chesapeake Planning Commission has unanimously recommended the adoption of new zoning ordinances aimed at establishing stricter controls over future data center developments. The proposed changes would require data center projects to obtain a conditional use permit, moving away from the current by-right development allowance in some zoning designations. Additionally, the ordinance would restrict data center construction to industrial zoning districts and the Fentress Airfield Overlay District.
During a recent meeting, over 20 residents voiced concerns about potential environmental impacts, low-frequency noise, air pollution, and strains on energy, water, and infrastructure resources. Many speakers urged the commission to delay the vote to allow more time for public input and to strengthen the proposed ordinance with requirements such as increased setback distances, decommissioning standards, and operator responsibility for infrastructure investments. Some residents even called for a complete ban or moratorium on data centers, a stance reportedly supported by Virginia Beach leaders.
Despite widespread calls for a delay, the commission approved the changes with amended language, incorporating additional demands to mitigate adverse effects on residents and the environment by guiding development to areas with adequate infrastructure. The commission also suggested periodic reviews of the new zoning policies. David Ropp, chair of the Chesapeake Alliance, supported the staff's efforts, calling it a "thoughtful and transparent process" and predicting it would become one of Virginia's most balanced data center ordinances.
The recommended zoning changes will now proceed to the Chesapeake City Council for final approval, as city leaders continue discussions on how to manage the rapid growth of data centers driven by cloud computing and artificial intelligence.