Fluvanna moves to shut door on data centers
Fluvanna County's Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to begin a process that could remove data centers as an allowed use and extended a moratorium on new applications through the end of the year. The proposal, driven by local opposition and concerns over infrastructure and quality of life, will now proceed to the Planning Commission for review and public hearings. The county also addressed policies regarding transmission lines to influence state regulators amid the region's data center growth.
Fluvanna County's Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step towards restricting data center development, voting 4-1 to initiate a process that could eliminate data centers as a permitted use in the county's I-1 and I-2 industrial districts. Simultaneously, the board extended a pause on new data center applications from the originally proposed November 30 to December 31.
The resolution directs the Planning Commission to consider and hold public hearings on amendments to the zoning ordinance, which would then return to the supervisors for a final vote. The board also asked the Planning Commission to explore regulations for smaller data facilities as an accessory use for other businesses. Supervisor Tony O'Brien cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing against a blanket ban and favoring project-by-project debate.
Supervisors Chris Fairchild and Mike Goad highlighted the growing interest from data center developers in the county, referencing a specific 843-acre industrial site near Bremo Bluff being marketed for data center use. Fairchild emphasized the need to act before developers could gain vested rights under existing ordinances. Residents, including Rivanna District resident Jennifer Kingrea Ruffner, voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about land, water, roads, quality of life, and rural character over potential tax revenue.
In a related move, the supervisors unanimously agreed to add policies regarding transmission lines to the county's Comprehensive Plan. This action, aiming to influence the State Corporation Commission's review of the proposed Valley Link transmission line, calls for new lines to use existing corridors and minimize impacts, prioritizing buried infrastructure. Supervisor Goad linked the two issues, stating that the county could not credibly oppose the transmission line while leaving the door open for the industry that drives the need for such power infrastructure.