Draft guidelines for data centers in New Kent presented, but remain at standstill pending executive order - New Kent
New Kent County supervisors reviewed draft recommendations for data center development, following a statewide executive order by Governor Abigail Spanberger on data center guidelines. A motion for a two-year data center moratorium in the county failed, highlighting ongoing public and governmental discussions. The proposed guidelines detail application procedures, extensive environmental assessments, and utility requirements, but further action is on hold pending state-level guidance.
New Kent County leaders have been working to address ongoing debates surrounding data center development within the locality. This effort follows an executive order from Governor Abigail Spanberger, which mandates the establishment of statewide data center guidelines by January 2027.
During a recent work session, New Kent Director of Community Development Joshua Airaghi presented an initial set of recommendations to the county supervisors. A motion for a two-year data center moratorium was introduced but ultimately failed with a 2-3 vote. District 4 representative Ron Stiers and District 5 supervisor Jordan Stewart supported the moratorium, while District 1 leader Thomas Evelyn, District 2 representative John Moyer, and District 3 leader Amy Pearson voted against it. Supervisor Pearson cited the dynamic nature of data center technology and the importance of the public process for Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) as reasons for her denial.
Airaghi's presentation outlined comprehensive application procedures and performance standards for data centers, including mandatory pre-application and community meetings, and public hearings. Ten key application requirements were detailed, covering aspects such as concept plans, project narratives, community impact statements, grading and drainage, viewshed analysis, environmental and cultural assessments, traffic, water needs, sound studies, and decommissioning plans. Specific zoning requirements dictate that data centers only be allowed on industrial zoned properties with a CUP, with property size limits linked to the number of buildings.
Environmental and operational standards were also proposed, including 300-foot buffers, 500-foot setbacks for buildings, and architectural controls. Emergency backup generators must meet EPA Tier 4 or higher emissions standards and DEQ noise requirements. Water systems are to be closed-loop, prohibiting evaporative or air-cooled techniques, and if county water is used, it must be treated wastewater, with groundwater and potable water use prohibited. Decommissioning plans, insurance, and annual reporting on electricity and water usage are also part of the proposed regulations. However, Airaghi recommended delaying public hearings on these local guidelines until after January, awaiting the full toolkit from the Governor's executive order, expected in mid-November.