Virginia Beach council members push to ban data centers, hyperscale facilities
Virginia Beach city council members are pushing to ban hyperscale data centers due to land and resource constraints. The planning commission identified a policy "gray area" that needs to be addressed to prevent legal challenges and align with residents' and council's wishes to prohibit such facilities.
Virginia Beach City Council members are advocating for a ban on data centers, particularly hyperscale facilities, within the city. Council member Jennifer Rouse, representing District 10, stated that Virginia Beach lacks the necessary land and resources to support these developments.
The city's planning commission has identified a "gray area" in existing policy, prompting the need for proactive measures. This is to prevent potential legal challenges and ensure the city has the legal authority to prohibit facilities that residents and the city council do not want. The ongoing effort aims to solidify policy protections against such developments.