‘Bespoke’ data center buildings proposed near Tysons residences

Serverfarm, a California-based operator, has submitted an application for a special exception to transform an office complex at 7990 and 7980 Quantum Drive in Tysons, Fairfax County, into a fully dedicated data center. The proposal, named 'Vienna Cloud,' involves replacing the existing structures with a 316,228 square-foot facility, significantly exceeding the 80,000 square-foot size limit established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in a 2024 zoning ordinance update. The project also presents a challenge regarding setback requirements, as the proposed buildings would be 107 to 131 feet from nearby residential areas, falling short of the county's 200-foot minimum setback. Serverfarm's land use attorney, Jill Parks, argued that the project represents a 'strategic reinvestment' and will feature 'lush, intentional landscaping' and new community amenities, including a sidewalk and playground enhancements, to mitigate impact. A commissioned noise study also reportedly found no increase in noise. Despite being filed in late January, the application has not yet been officially accepted for review by county staff, highlighting increased scrutiny of the data center industry locally and statewide due to neighborhood, energy, and environmental impacts.