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Board finds quick consensus on technology zoning: create optional tech zone for applicant proposals
Summary
Supervisors generally agreed to create a technology zoning district that would be available when an applicant requests it, rather than pre‑designating specific sites; they asked staff and the Berkeley Group to research model standards from other counties.
Orange County supervisors signaled agreement to include a technology zoning district in the draft ordinance that would be available by rezoning request, rather than pre‑allocating specific locations on a map.
Supervisor Ed Keith urged the board to tackle the technology district as an early, solvable item. "Let's talk about technology," he said, recommending the board give staff and the consultants direction and let them continue drafting standards.
Several supervisors and staff noted that creating a technology district would give the county a zoning category tailored to technology and data‑center uses without defaulting to industrial or general commercial zones. Planning staff explained that under the proposed approach, an applicant would request rezoning to the technology district; the board would not be preselecting a countywide technology site. The change would avoid shoehorning large projects into existing industrial categories or relying on proffers and ad hoc conditions.
Board members asked staff and the Berkeley Group to review standards used by other jurisdictions, including Louisa County, and to combine best practices into a draft that addresses massing, screening, allowed uses and infrastructure expectations. Supervisors emphasized that if the county later wants to proactively designate a technology area, that would be a separate policy decision.
No formal action or vote was taken; staff will return with comparative standards and suggested draft language.
