The developer behind a proposed new data center site in Tysons is seeking exceptions to Fairfax County’s rules, WTOP reported. The plan aims to convert two buildings and a parking garage into a new data center project called “Vienna Cloud.”
This proposed development would hold two data center facilities, NVA1 and NVA2.
Exceptions to Fairfax County Rules
Fairfax County rules dictate that data centers must be built at least 1 mile away from Metro station entrances. However, the proposed site — at 7980 and 7990 Quantum Dr. in Vienna — is 0.9 miles away from the Tysons Corner Metro entrance.
In addition to requesting an exception to the Metro rule, the developer, Serverfarm, is also requesting an increase in the floor area. One building would increase from 80,256 square feet to 94,014 square feet; the other would increase from 202,500 square feet to 221,214 square feet.
The developer has also requested to maintain existing building setbacks that are less than the required 200 feet away from residential districts; to use hederow for screening along Kidwell Drive instead of a wall; and a reduction in required tree canopy, Patch reported in May.
Community Concern
“This is really precedent-setting in terms of what the decision is going to be,” Renee Grebe, Northern Virginia conservation advocate for the group Nature Forward, told WTOP. “If this gets passed, then I think it demonstrates that our zoning ordinance amendment is not as strong as it was touted to be by our board of supervisors.”
Fairfax County developed stricter data center regulations in 2024. The rules addressed community concerns about noise, building design, and how close the centers are to homes.
Grebe said the county’s comprehensive plan for the area surrounding the proposed data center is as an “active 24-hour environment where people go to restaurants or stores after work.” Instead, she said, “residents will be getting 24 hours of noise pollution and 28 diesel generators next to residences and a nearby sports field.”
Serverfarm says this facility is “not an AI-centric facility; it is a network-focused campus with more than 20 active network operators on site.” In addition to the two data centers, plans include walking and biking paths, seating areas, and a playground.
The county accepted the project application on May 4. A public hearing on the project has been scheduled for November 18.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
