Fairfax County has revised its zoning ordinance and tightened restrictions on future data centers.
The supervisors voted 8–2 for the changes during Tuesday’s meeting. The vote comes after hearing from the public and receiving recommendations from staffers.
The new regulations address community concerns about noise, building design, and how close the centers are to homes. “The goal was to better manage the location and operation of these facilities as demand for data centers increases,” the county said in a news release.
The supervisors decided that data center buildings need to be 200 feet from adjacent residential properties, with backup generators 300 feet from property lines in residential areas. The new rules do allow for special exceptions.
The county will require pre- and post-construction noise studies, and data centers must be at least 1 mile from any Metro stations.
All equipment at data centers needs to be “enclosed or screened by a wall or similar barrier to reduce visual and noise impacts,” the county said.
There will be limits on how big by-right centers will be. Larger developments would require special exceptions, unless they are in certain industrial zoning districts.
“Main entrance features, facade variations, and other architectural elements are required to enhance the visual appeal of these industrial buildings,” the county said.
Under the changes, existing data center projects would be grandfathered in.
Fairfax County has accepted six data center applications for review, but has not approved those applications. Staffers said during the supervisors’ meeting that one would not meet the Metro station setback requirement and another would require either a special exception or redesign based on how close it is to a residential area.
The supervisors called the rules a balanced approach to data centers, and county staff has been asked to further look into the environmental impacts of the centers.
Feature image, by Kubais/stock.adobe.com
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