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Planning commission authorizes public hearing on zoning text amendment to require SUPs for data centers in industrial districts
Summary
Commissioners voted to advertise a zoning text amendment (ZTA 25 10) that would change the county code so data centers in I-1 and I-2 districts would require a special-use permit rather than be a by-right use, and to modify the definition of "data center." The public hearing was set for Nov. 18.
The Fluvanna County Planning Commission voted to advertise a zoning-text amendment that would change how the county treats data centers in industrial zones: instead of allowing data centers as a by-right use in I-1 and I-2 zones, the proposed change would require developers to apply for a special-use permit. The commission set a public hearing for the proposed ZTA (ZTA 25 10) for November 18, 2025.
What the amendment would do: Planning staff explained that the ZTA would modify several sections of the county code to reclassify data centers as a use allowed by special-use permit (instead of by right) in the I-1 (Industrial Limited) and I-2 (Industrial General) zoning districts. The proposed amendment also updates the definition of "data center" to read (summary): a facility used primarily for processing, storage and transmission of digital data that houses servers and associated infrastructure; it explicitly lists associated components such as air handlers, power generators, water cooling and utility substations as possibly part of a data-center facility.
Why it matters: The change would make data centers subject to site-specific public hearings and allow the county to attach SUP conditions where they consider noise, water, traffic, or other community impacts. The Planning Commission voted to advertise the change unanimously (4-0, 1 absent) and scheduled the public hearing to allow public comment and staff analysis before making a formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
Commission action: Motion to advertise a public hearing for ZTA 25 10 for November 18, 2025 was approved by commission (vote 4-0; 1 absent). Staff will publish the required legal notices and prepare supporting materials.
Context note: The board of supervisors earlier approved a temporary moratorium on new data-center applications and directed staff to pursue a code amendment; the Planning Commission—s action today advances that board-level direction into the public hearing process.
