King William puts data center policy on hold

King William County's Board of Supervisors indefinitely tabled a proposed ordinance intended to attract data centers and other technology uses, despite it receiving unanimous backing from the county's planning commission on March 3. The draft amendment to county codes sought to establish "by-rights standards" for technology uses along Routes 30 and 360 and in industrial zones, requiring only a conditional use permit otherwise. Planner Joyce Wolfe stated that the ordinance would position King William as the "least restrictive" locality for data centers compared to nearby Henrico and Hanover counties. The decision to table the ordinance, made at a meeting on April 13, stemmed from significant concerns voiced by residents and Supervisor Justin Catlett. Residents Lisa Mason and Tim Vaughan raised alarms about data centers' considerable heat, high electricity and water consumption, and noise pollution, urging the board to conduct thorough vetting and more public hearings. Supervisor Catlett echoed these concerns, noting deficiencies in the proposed language regarding enforcement, impacts, and public safety. He suggested the indefinite tabling for further review, a motion fellow board members supported. The proposed ordinance included restrictions such as an 80-foot height limit and specific noise, lighting, and screening requirements, and encouraged closed-loop water systems, though an earlier prohibition on using local river water was amended.