Virginia Beach Considers Restrictions on Hyperscale Data Centers

Virginia Beach City Council members are exploring a potential ban or significant restrictions on large-scale and hyperscale data centers, citing concerns over the city's limited land and resources. Councilwoman Jennifer Rouse, representing District 10, stated that the council is united in its view that the city lacks the capacity, particularly in land, power, and water, to support such facilities.

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission identified ambiguities in existing zoning ordinances that currently permit data centers "by right" in industrial districts without special approval, potentially even next to residential areas. In response, the city attorney has been tasked with drafting clearer language to define appropriate development types, specifically excluding large-scale and hyperscale data centers.

Peter Wallace, Virginia Beach

’s Director of Information Technology, explained the differences between data center types, noting that hyperscale facilities require 90,000 times more electricity than an average household and significantly more water for cooling. While the city already hosts two co-location facilities, leaders indicated they would not consider allowing anything larger. The proposed changes would impose restrictions on where new facilities could be built, their size, and other development standards like sound studies and safety plans. Councilwoman Rouse expressed satisfaction with the proactive approach to prevent future issues and ensure the city has the legal authority to manage data center development.