Prince William supervisors hope to end data center overlay district by 2027; initial talks eyed for fall
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is considering a zoning text amendment to significantly reduce the county's Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District. If passed, the amendment would end by-right data center development, requiring all future projects to obtain a special use permit from the board. Supervisors aim for initial talks and public hearings in the fall, with implementation targeted for late 2026 or early 2027.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is advancing a zoning text amendment designed to substantially diminish the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District and eliminate by-right data center development within Prince William County, Virginia. Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated a resolution for county staff to resume work on the amendment, which is expected to go before the county's Planning Commission and then the board for a public hearing by early fall.
Under the proposed amendment, existing data centers or those with approved site plans would remain unaffected, but all future data center projects would require a special use permit and board approval. This change aims to curb "land grabs" that displace small businesses and slow land valuation increases, according to Supervisor Gordy. Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye, who previously directed staff to study the overlay, supports Gordy's resolution, citing concerns that the current overlay bypasses essential reviews and public input, leading to issues like the closure of Merrifield Garden Center.
The board is targeting a public hearing for the amendment before the Planning Commission by late summer, with a potential board vote before or after their August recess. If enacted, the amendment is expected to take effect in late 2026 or early 2027, although no official timeline is set.