Chesapeake Planning Commission recommends approving data center policy

The Chesapeake Planning Commission has unanimously recommended the approval of a new policy and amendments to the city's zoning ordinance concerning data centers. These changes, which include designating data centers as conditional use in industrial and Fentress Airfield Overlay Districts, were prompted by a rejected data center proposal last year that faced significant resident opposition.

The proposed ordinance aims to regulate data center development by requiring city council review for all projects, a shift from current rules allowing them by-right in various zones. Key amendments include increasing setback limits from residential structures from 500 feet to half a mile, capping maximum daytime noise levels at 60 decibels and nighttime at 55, and limiting building height to 95 feet. Additionally, data centers would require agricultural buffers and be encouraged to adopt water conservation and renewable energy methods.

Despite the commission's efforts to address community concerns, some residents expressed that the proposed rules were still insufficient, urging further delays for more public input. However, commissioners, including Vice Chair Barbara Sgueglia, emphasized the urgency of implementing some parameters to prevent uncontrolled data center development. The recommended policy also mandates at least two neighborhood engagement meetings and limits the use of non-disclosure agreements to enhance transparency. The entire package now proceeds to the Chesapeake City Council for final approval.