Orange County residents urged to oppose permissive data center zoning

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is urging residents to oppose Orange County’s proposed Technology Zoning District for data centers and to attend the Board of Supervisors public hearing on Dec. 16.

• Main action & concerns: PEC calls on residents to attend the Dec. 16, 5 p.m. public hearing at the Public Safety Building, 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange, VA and/or submit written comments, arguing that the floating Technology District would enable unrestricted data center sprawl, speculative land purchases, siting in agricultural and residential areas, and massive campuses (e.g., up to 490 acres / ~21 million sq ft at Wilderness Crossing) with huge power demands potentially requiring new 230–500 kV transmission lines and use of eminent domain.

• Background & agreed provisions: The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the draft ordinance, which includes Special Use Permits for all data centers and on-site power generation and a ban on using drinkable water for cooling, provisions PEC supports; however, PEC stresses that Orange County already has vacant industrial land where data centers are allowed by right, and warns that the floating zone could drive land speculation, threaten farmland viability, and leave future officials free to approve very large data center projects across the county.

• Event details:

  • Date & time: Thursday, Dec. 16 @ 5 p.m.
  • Location: Public Safety Building, 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange, VA (Board Meeting Room)
  • Subject: Public hearing on proposed Technology (T) Zoning District for data centers and related guardrails, siting, and permitting requirements.