Ashburn Data Center Eyes Expanded Footprint

The Loudoun County Planning Commission has endorsed a proposal for a data center expansion near Dulles Airport in Ashburn, Virginia. The plan seeks to increase the footprint of a data center building at 44360 Import Plaza from 14,386 square feet to 20,000 square feet. This expansion would occur on a 2.45-acre parcel where three other data center buildings already exist. The proposed building was part of the original site plan but slightly exceeds the bounds of a 2019 rezoning approval. Due to recent changes adopted by the Board of Supervisors, all data center applications now require board approval, necessitating the applicant's request for a special exception for the additional square footage. County staff, including Project Manager Fayula Gordon, acknowledged that while data centers in this specific area may not align with the board's most recent zoning changes, they are compatible with existing surrounding data center developments. Commission Chair Clifford Keirce highlighted the historical context, noting that the data center industry was previously encouraged in this area to help fund the Metrorail Tax District, as it was deemed unsuitable for residential development due to proximity to the airport. The motion to endorse the proposal passed unanimously, 7-0, and will now be presented to the full Board of Supervisors for their final consideration.