The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 10, 2024, focused on the development of data center policies and regulations, highlighting the county's ongoing efforts to manage the growth of this targeted industry. Staff presented an overview of current and future data center projects, existing regulations, and potential new policies aimed at addressing community concerns.

Data centers have been recognized as a key industry in Spotsylvania since 2011, initially categorized under office use. Recent amendments have clarified this classification, allowing data centers in various non-residential districts. The presentation detailed a timeline of developments, including a comprehensive plan amendment that incorporated specific policies for data centers, which were adopted following public hearings and community engagement.

The board discussed the implications of data center development, particularly regarding their proximity to residential areas. Concerns were raised about noise, traffic, and environmental impacts, especially for projects located outside the primary development boundary. The staff emphasized the importance of enhanced setbacks, buffers, and noise mitigation measures to protect surrounding communities.

A significant point of discussion was the county's water usage policies for data centers. New regulations prohibit the permanent use of potable water for cooling, instead promoting a level 1 reuse system for treated wastewater. This system is currently under development and is expected to be operational by 2027-2028, with existing projects already committed to utilizing this resource.

The board members expressed a desire to implement immediate regulations to address the potential impacts of data centers, particularly in areas where development can occur by right, meaning no additional approval from the board is required. This has raised concerns about the lack of oversight in rapidly developing areas.

In conclusion, the board is considering a stopgap measure to establish regulations for data center development, focusing on setbacks, buffers, and noise limitations. The staff will work on drafting these regulations, with a goal of presenting them for review in early 2025. The board's proactive approach aims to balance the economic benefits of data centers with the need to protect the interests and quality of life for Spotsylvania residents.