Board sends data‑center rules to Planning Commission for review, asks for recommendations by August

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted to request that the Planning Commission review the county’s data‑center regulations and bring back recommended zoning and comprehensive‑plan changes by August 2025.

The request, adopted after nearly three hours of debate and a lengthy public‑comment period in which dozens of residents described water, noise and property‑value concerns, asks the Planning Commission to form a subcommittee, hold public meetings, and return recommendations to the board for consideration and possible public hearings.

Board members and staff described why the review is needed. Mike Saraf, Stafford County director of planning and zoning, told the board the county saw a “steady influx of additional applications” since 2023 and that four projects had already been approved while nine rezoning applications remained pending. Saraf said staff and the board want to reassess rules the board adopted in 2023 to verify they are working as intended.

Supporters of the review — including several supervisors who said they want clearer limits on setbacks, water use and design — argued the county must act before dozens of large projects are built. Opponents warned that overly restrictive new standards would chase away investment and jobs. At one point the board considered setting a tight deadline for the Planning Commission; the board ultimately asked for recommendations returned in August and for the commission to be involved in public outreach.

Public comment was extensive. Dozens of residents, many from areas where data‑center proposals are pending, told the board they fear local impacts on well water, noise and scenic character. Nearby‑property owners described clear‑cutting and construction already under way and urged the board to slow approvals or tighten standards. Other speakers, including developers and others who operate data centers, urged measured rules and noted state policy work on the subject.

The board’s action directs the Planning Commission to study the county’s data‑center rules and report back with recommended ordinance and comp‑plan adjustments; the Planning Commission will hold meetings and accept public input before issuing its recommendations. The board’s vote was 6–1 in favor of sending the matter for study with the August return date.