Prince William County supervisors vote to slow data center development
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to implement stricter regulations for new data center developments. This decision removes automatic project approvals and will now require all new data centers to obtain a special use permit and undergo public hearings. The change reflects a significant shift in the county's stance and public sentiment regarding data center expansion.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a measure to significantly increase the scrutiny and difficulty of developing new data centers within the county. The vote effectively removes automatic approvals previously granted to tech companies for projects in a designated "data center opportunity overlay" district.
Under the new regulations, all prospective data center developments in Prince William County will now be required to seek a special use permit directly from the Board of Supervisors. This process will include public hearings, ensuring that every new project receives county-level review and public input.
This policy shift marks a dramatic reversal from a decade ago when a previous board established the overlay district to actively encourage data center expansion. The current board, many of whom were elected on platforms advocating for more restrictive data center policies, has responded to a significant change in public sentiment against unchecked development, aiming for a more transparent approach.