[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6590864,"mediaKeyId","5496983-d11dd5a7fbdff13b56f7a2d6ef07b347","parentId",5496983,"title","Committee approves Phase 2 study of data‑center standards; scope to address noise, on‑site power and substations","audioSeconds",1071,"startMs",5199000,"endMs",6270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496983-d11dd5a7fbdff13b56f7a2d6ef07b347&start=5199&end=6270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496983-d11dd5a7fbdff13b56f7a2d6ef07b347/thumbnail_5199000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6590864/Virginia/Committee-approves-Phase-2-study-of-datacenter-standards-scope-to-address-noise-onsite-power-and-substations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590864-95024cb5300506ee79635e588df55bf9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771077374&Signature=mjsZUFX-mJBEWvgNdsYmjc6ddf7ARSIyj4hA4ayFP0BVRvSanoKIjyCpic-Hc0zV4X4dEEiw1PHmvUe-MgXTi3Mdh7a0VGIdE1ZB5R3tHbetrvlAudAH9-pRHdniupq9-NjQIQplbXNhrR78jKaAIrN1LzdG66eYdkhM14z3WX7eara2Ty~6V0XajI--xgHRgy829Wsh2Oju4EvgXs9JLlD4E04MeKkTtUBrNtC9KUaQPGn0SRBx3s9NWaognG2xYesSCDwa6p1QTr~JXFQjmGtbL2MqHMgNNP7zeg5YRN9XGMLSj9Wateym4rYimyddw7~ohZbGQiurl7fzStimQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Loudoun County","date","2025-07-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Transportation and Land Use Committee on July 28 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a project plan (CPAM 2025‑51 / ZOAM 2025‑51) to study Phase 2 updates to Loudoun's data‑center policies and zoning standards. The committee voted 4–0 (1 absent) to advance the plan.

Staff presentation and scope: Abdul Jaffrey, project manager in Planning and Zoning, described Phase 2 as a joint comprehensive‑plan amendment and zoning‑ordinance amendment process focused on compatibility through the special‑exception review process. \"Phase 2 is focused on supporting staff and the board in evaluating data center applications by addressing compatibility concerns through the special exception process,\" Jaffrey said. The scope includes noise (including tonal noise), on‑site power generation and energy storage, use‑specific standards for data centers and substations, district energy opportunities and housekeeping amendments to align the 2019 General Plan with Phase‑1 changes.

Public comment and technical concerns: During the public input period, Loudoun residents and an environmental group urged stricter controls. Ted Lewis described generator noise and on‑site generator use as a community concern: \"These generators were meant to be used for emergencies, not to supplement power,\" he said after describing prolonged generator operation at a nearby site. Jim Bingle of the Piedmont Environmental Council urged the county to consider greenhouse‑gas effects of substations and insulating gases: \"SF6...has been estimated to be 24,300 times more climate hostile than CO2,\" Bingle said, and recommended staff examine alternatives.

Policy and implementation issues raised by committee: Supervisors and staff discussed how performance standards should apply to new sites versus existing data centers. Committee members asked staff and legal counsel to explore whether: (1) performance outcomes (for noise and emissions) can be framed in zoning standards while avoiding making many existing facilities nonconforming; (2) incentives or regulatory approaches exist to encourage retrofits of older campuses; and (3) county authority extends to siting and design elements for substations and on‑site generation. Staff noted some matters (for example, state permitting and utility ownership) require coordination with Dominion, the utility, and possible legal review.

Motions and committee actions: The committee approved the Phase 2 project plan and directed staff to proceed with the scope in Attachment 1 (vote 4‑0, 1 absent). Chair Tacrone also moved and the committee approved a follow‑up motion directing staff to research and present the county process for establishing land condominiums and how that ownership approach affects site plans and grandfathering. Separately, the committee adopted a recommended general‑plan policy that would state data centers should not encroach into the Transition Policy Area (TPA) except in specified industrial place types; that motion passed 3 yes, 1 abstain, 1 absent. A separate motion to terminate any further study into a named Dulles Cloud South land‑study initiative failed (2–2) and did not pass.

Why it matters: Data centers are a major local economic sector and are tied to large power and infrastructure needs. Committee members emphasized the need to balance operational requirements for grid reliability and company operations with neighborhood noise, emissions and visual impacts. Staff said consultant work (white papers and technical briefs) will examine generator emissions, gas‑insulated substations versus air‑insulated options, battery storage, and implementation options. Committee members asked staff to coordinate with Dominion, the county attorney and regional partners and to involve the Environmental Commission and technical consultants in coming months.

Next steps: Staff will return with a revised project plan and a proposed resolution of intent in September; if the board approves the roadmap as scheduled, final action on Phase 2 amendments is expected in late 2026 or possibly 2027 if the scope is expanded.

Ending: Committee members endorsed a process that combines research, stakeholder engagement, and targeted code changes and asked staff to focus on rules that protect residents without unduly hindering appropriate redevelopment or grid reliability planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Loudoun County - Transportation and Land Use Committee","oneSentenceSummary","The Transportation and Land Use Committee on July 28 voted to advance a Phase 2 study of data‑center policies and zoning (CPAM 2025‑51 / ZOAM 2025‑51) that will examine noise, on‑site power, energy storage, and substations and return to the Board with recommendations.","taxTitle","Loudoun County, Virginia","taxId",5640,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6590869,"Board committee recommends rezoning for 78‑unit Belmont Cove townhome plan after staff raise unit‑size, buffer concerns",2082,2938000,5020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496983-d11dd5a7fbdff13b56f7a2d6ef07b347&start=2938&end=5020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496983-d11dd5a7fbdff13b56f7a2d6ef07b347/thumbnail_2938000.jpg","/articles/6590869/Virginia/Board-committee-recommends-rezoning-for-78unit-Belmont-Cove-townhome-plan-after-staff-raise-unitsize-buffer-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590869-dd5d6af1f1feb64884e2a27448438c66/orig.mp4?Expires=1771077374&Signature=ieG4MufJ8QzWA6jeq2w7D4rB9DPVrKKcL4Xrwjr3~kcvVbFBej0LSiKESnslTjf5Zsx4cSbELAItGT0uMDBE28717A26gcmzev6N0lh3js2rMYvdTgraWqGOKGZPYj7nC-NXJCqkyR15ilGAJcuQWy1An7ddiU9Zg~ItH2~ua0zBXcoXkqdUTNPKs4wzEYzxmUgtAW6cb~vR9hLAamM5qQP9toTwklNICV7kgd9XVrGrbz-4sGMMcjkRyn0OwIpCaspLP7TUXX9WINnACIeFmk7rWXgqDo-~je-4eXputdIFO77lmhfQL6Gh0dIqnYezlZ1wp5lf-Of5CPVbwGZJuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Transportation and Land Use Committee on July 28 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a rezoning and zoning concept plan amendment for Belmont Cove, a proposed 78‑unit single‑family attached community on a 14.6‑acre site in the Ashburn Election District.

The proposal would rezone about 8.19 acres from PD‑OP (planned development‑office park) to R‑16 ADU to allow 78 single‑family attached units and changes to setbacks and landscape buffers along Russell Branch Parkway. Darby Metcalfe of the Department of Planning and Zoning summarized staff concerns: \"Staff find the modification is not innovative and instead appears to maximize development potential contrary to criteria of approval,\" he said, referring to requested reductions in required landscape buffers.

Why it matters: The application tests how the county balances increased housing supply near suburban mixed‑use areas with the design and compatibility standards in the 2019 General Plan. Staff and members pressed the applicant on unit sizes, sidewalk continuity and the location and amount of public and civic space.

Applicant changes and commitments: Applicant counsel Michael Romeo said the team has increased the share of units no larger than 2,600 square feet from 50% to 60% and offered additional landscaping in the Russell Branch Parkway buffer. Romeo told the committee the submission also includes what the team described as over 11% public and civic space and 15% when combined with active recreation areas, and that the applicant will provide a 10x20 pavilion adjacent to the civic space. He said the project will include 10 for‑sale affordable dwelling units and 2 age‑restricted market priced units (AMPPUs) on site and that universal‑design options would be offered free of charge to purchasers.

Staff and board concerns: Metcalfe said staff still views unit size as an outstanding issue; staff recommended commitments that would include a minimum percentage of units meeting a reduced livable‑area threshold, stronger commitments on timing for affordable housing units and exterior design commitments. On sidewalks, the applicant said it had relocated sidewalks so every unit would have sidewalk access either in front of or behind units; the applicant reduced some unit depths from 42 to 40 feet to create room for sidewalks in those areas.

Vote: Vice Chair Turner moved approval; Supervisor Glass seconded. The motion passed 4–0, with one absence recorded.

Ending: Committee members urged the applicant to finalize the unit‑size mix and to deliver the universal‑design brochure and other proffered items; staff will include the item on the full board agenda for final action.","The Transportation and Land Use Committee heard staff concerns about unit size, sidewalks and buffer reductions on the 14.6‑acre Belmont Cove rezoning; the committee voted 4–0 (1 absent) to recommend approval after applicant commitments and Q&A.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6590875,"Loudoun staff reports implementation steps on 69 land‑use recommendations; 11 task forces formed",1166,1248000,2414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496983-d11dd5a7fbdff13b56f7a2d6ef07b347&start=1248&end=2414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496983-d11dd5a7fbdff13b56f7a2d6ef07b347/thumbnail_1248000.jpg","/articles/6590875/Virginia/Loudoun-staff-reports-implementation-steps-on-69-landuse-recommendations-11-task-forces-formed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590875-4f3a4b228dbe1c12728a7cb753f3a660/orig.mp4?Expires=1771077374&Signature=h71mdcXCyuL~qemCwTJifZ6TciUI5XtpX6srV2My260DQcMsiD1fhmgwp-UhP6sCYnXT0~apM2q99lFKxYGfA5wq1B76qIpWN1Ngjxfb5onsXUTBC-VabNU8nzeADbFRtxYhoiPnPOvu3jpkcOb7wkjG~PD8unf2bEwORFNldgA9SyP84UtwbOnvRH8DtR4yUvNy5b16L1gVKKLb07M3Kz1suATTrU12r7-GYcOVgPBgCNPDPzUczCzheNT1cEHNH0ocnbFG~XRWZkN6PqZYwhGCBmyyav3zUpWUXyiqbm2rhvslC39CCQZf0BXr0e~v6WsTOcCEAMK6c9K4V0fUuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Loudoun County staff told the Transportation and Land Use Committee on July 28 that the county has moved the Administrative and Legislative Land Use Review into implementation, creating a governance structure and 11 task force groups to begin work on 69 recommendations.

The update, presented by Joe Krowboth of County Administration and project manager Nancy Zelke, summarized work completed in a first six‑month stage and outlined an 18–24 month project timeline. \"All of the recommendations are worthy to progress onto the next phase in the process, where they would be vetted,\" Krowboth said, describing a multi‑layer structure that includes an executive leadership committee, a project management office and industry‑co‑chaired task forces.

Why it matters: The review is intended to speed permitting and reduce technical barriers that developers and staff repeatedly identified as creating long delays in building and land‑use approvals. Committee members and industry participants said the collaborative format — public and private staff working together on project charters and scorecards — has already produced measurable changes.

What staff said: The county has created a SharePoint site to share documents with industry and has stood up task forces addressing permitting, legislative and administrative processes, proffer management and bond templates, among others. Krowboth said the county and industry co‑chairs developed project charters and work plans; Nancy Zelke, the consultant assigned to implementation, is supporting coordination and risk management.

Early accomplishments listed in staff materials include consolidating more than a dozen bond templates down to three; updating planning and zoning checklists; creating a customer service team in Permits; and filling several positions: an assistant county attorney, a planner 3, a senior planner and four permanent permit technician hires for building and development. Krowboth described a planned scorecard and dashboards to be developed in stage two to track progress.

Industry response: Michael Capretti, representing the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, told the committee the private sector is heavily engaged: \"From industry perspective our steering committee is 3 people from NVBIA, 3 people from NAIOP, and 1 person from the Chamber...we have 36 people taking part across the 11 committees.\" He urged the committee to preserve momentum.

Next steps and schedule: Staff said they will return to TLUC roughly every six months; the next scheduled report is January 2026. Task forces that began meeting in June will continue to deliver project charters and work plans to the project steering committee for review.

Ending: Committee members praised the early progress and urged continued transparency and public reporting, while supervisors said they wanted to see the forthcoming dashboards and the work products from task forces when they convene in six months.","County staff and industry partners reported progress on an 18–24 month plan to implement 69 recommendations from the Administrative and Legislative Land Use Review; staff described governance, task forces and early accomplishments including new checklists, consolidated bond templates and hires in permitting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves Phase 2 study of data‑center standards; scope to address noise, on‑site power and substations

Board committee recommends rezoning for 78‑unit Belmont Cove townhome plan after staff raise unit‑size, buffer concerns

Loudoun staff reports implementation steps on 69 land‑use recommendations; 11 task forces formed