Council delays hearing on data-center ban over concerns about wording
Front Royal leaders have delayed setting a public hearing date for a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that aims to ban data centers, citing concerns over the draft's wording. Council members are worried that the current language might still permit data centers despite their intent for an outright prohibition. A temporary moratorium on data center applications remains in effect.
Front Royal Town Council members debated the proposed wording for a data center ban, ultimately deciding to delay setting a public hearing date for the zoning ordinance amendment. Mayor Lori A. Cockrell, Vice Mayor Amber F. Veitenthal, and council members Melissa A. DeDomenico-Payne, Joshua L. Ingram, H. Bruce Rappaport, and R. Wayne Sealock discussed the draft at a work session, with Councilman Glenn E. Wood absent.
Vice Mayor Veitenthal and Councilman Ingram raised concerns that the draft language, particularly the phrase "except where expressly permitted or by-right or special-use permit," could inadvertently allow data centers, despite the council's unanimous direction for an outright prohibition across all zoning districts. Town Manager Joseph Petty explained that "data center" is not listed as a permitted use, implying exclusion, but Veitenthal countered by citing the "legally non-conforming use" clause for existing facilities.
Town Attorney George Sonnett II suggested removing the "except by special-use permit" clause to clarify the prohibition. The council had previously adopted a temporary moratorium on data center applications in June while the Planning Commission drafted the ordinance amendment, reversing an earlier directive to allow data centers by permit after significant community opposition. The council intends to consult with outside legal counsel on the draft language.