Planning Commission defers Technology Overlay District hearings after residents raise data‑center concerns

The Goochland County Planning Commission voted 5-0 on Aug. 21 to defer consideration of two items related to a proposed Technology Overlay District — Comprehensive Plan amendment CP20250002 and Zoning Ordinance Amendment ZOA20250001 — to its Sept. 18 meeting, after staff said additional community outreach was needed.

The Planning Commission’s director of community development, Jamie Sherry, told the commission at the Aug. 21 meeting that staff was requesting a 30‑day deferral to allow another community meeting on Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. in the county administration boardroom to explain the overlay district and gather public feedback. “This will give us opportunity for us to inform the community of what the overlay district does, and also to…hear feedback and…adjust the amendments accordingly,” Sherry said.

The Technology Overlay District (TOD) proposal would add new sections to county code chapter 15 (staff referenced adding sections 15‑4‑48 through 15‑5‑50) and amend section 15‑3‑31 on off‑street parking and loading to reduce parking standards for data centers. Staff posted information and a project page on the county’s website; Sherry urged residents to review materials and attend the Sept. 8 community meeting.

Why it matters: The TOD would change zoning and parking standards that affect data centers and related technology uses; residents said the changes could make it easier for data centers to be located near existing neighborhoods. Two people who spoke during the citizen comment period asked the commission for stronger protections for nearby homes.

Resident Steven Shorrock of 12201 Bremner Ridge Circle said he supports the TOD in concept but warned that current zoning could allow rows of data centers very close to houses. “Under 1987 zoning law, right now, a row of 8 to 10 data centers can be built parallel to a row of houses…within 50 feet of their backyard,” Shorrock said. He said county staff appear to be “working hard on the TOD revisions for better protection” but added that protections should apply countywide.

Reverend Lisa Sykes of 12482 North Crossing Drive said residents north of Hockett Road, including several subdivisions and planned subdivisions, need clarity about how the TOD and related roadway and infrastructure plans will affect the area. “We feel very inappropriate the thought of a large tall building such as a data center or a distribution center adjacent to our property,” Sykes said. She asked staff to provide the Virginia Department of Transportation and infrastructure plans for the northern portion of the proposed overlay before the community meeting.

The commission’s formal vote followed a staff request and a motion to defer. The roll call recorded five ayes and no nays; the minutes state the motion to defer passes on a five‑zero vote. Sherry said the deferred items will be heard by the Planning Commission on Sept. 18 and that the Sept. 8 community meeting will be livestreamed; staff also posted project materials on the county website.

Discussion vs. decision: The commission’s action was procedural — a 30‑day deferral to allow more outreach — not an approval or rejection of the TOD language. Staff and speakers discussed concerns about proximity of large technology buildings to residences, the scope of protections, and requests for infrastructure information. No ordinance language was adopted or amended at the Aug. 21 meeting.

What’s next: The Planning Commission will resume the public hearing on CP20250002 and ZOA20250001 on Sept. 18, with a community meeting set for Sept. 8 to present materials and accept public input. The county’s project web page and livestream information are available from the Community Development office.