Supervisors, Planning Commission Set Stage for Next Slate of Zoning Projects
Loudoun County's Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint meeting to discuss the timeline and process for two significant zoning projects. One of these projects is the second phase of rewriting regulations specifically for data centers and their associated infrastructure, including rules for backup generators, noise, visual screening, and sustainability. The new data center regulations are expected to be finalized by summer 2027, a five-month delay from the initial schedule.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint meeting to outline the process and timeline for two significant zoning projects. Planning Commission Chair Clifford Keirce noted the meeting aimed to clarify roles and responsibilities, especially after confusion during the first phase of data center regulation rewrites last year.
One project involves new zoning regulations for western Loudoun County, which has established 56 items for review and is now on an accelerated timeline aiming for completion by July next year instead of the end of 2027. This expedited schedule, however, raises concerns from County Chair Phyllis Randall about the challenges of working on such a complex project during an election year. Commissioners Eric Combs, Dale Polen Myers, Mark Miller, and Robin-Eve Jasper will participate from the Planning Commission. Commissioner Michelle Frank also voiced concerns about the lack of public input during the initial Zoning Ordinance Committee and Planning Commission joint work sessions.
The second major project is the second phase of developing new regulations for data centers and their related infrastructure in Loudoun County. The first phase, finalized last year, removed data centers as a by-right use, requiring all new applications to be reviewed by both boards. This second phase will delve into specific zoning requirements such as rules for backup generators, noise analysis, visual screening, architectural features, sustainability certifications, setbacks, onsite power, and cooling systems. County staff are currently drafting potential amendments, which will be open for public comment this fall. The Planning Commission is expected to begin its review in early 2027, with final recommendations to the Board of Supervisors by summer 2027, marking a five-month delay from the original timeline. Supervisor Juli E. Briskman expressed frustration over these project delays, questioning whether consultants could help shorten the timelines.