Leesburg planning commission reviews draft data center standards, asks staff to tighten generator and water rules

Leesburg Planning Commission members reviewed a revised draft of data center use standards on Oct. 2 and asked staff to return with tighter, industry-backed language on generator testing, decibel limits and water-use reporting.

Staff member James David of the Department of Community Development walked commissioners through edits to the draft standards for data centers in Section 12-3 (industrial uses). He said staff changed the wording of landscape protections to “avoid all or most established forested areas,” simplified a fenestration standard to require that “30% of the primary facade shall include window or simulated window placements,” and added rooftop screening language intended to respond to cases where neighboring residential areas sit at higher elevation: “When proposed data centers are located on sites that are lower in topography than adjacent residential neighborhoods, rooftop equipment should be screened from the top down view to the extent practicable,” David said.

Why it matters: data centers have large mechanical systems and backup power that can produce continuous noise and significant water demand for cooling. Commissioners said they want enforceable, specific standards rather than aspirational language.

Key changes…