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County initiates removal of nine parcels from Data Center Overlay and orders broader overlay reassessment
Summary
Following a staff review of a 2023 consultant study, the Board of Supervisors authorized initiation of a zoning map amendment to remove nine parcels from the Data Center Overlay District and directed planning to undertake a broader reassessment of the overlay boundary in a separate consultant-led phase.
Prince William County planners presented a two-phase approach to reassessing the Data Center Overlay District on Tuesday, and the Board of County Supervisors voted to initiate immediate removal of nine parcels identified by a 2023 Stantec analysis as no longer suitable for data center development.
What was approved: Planning staff recommended — and the board approved — an initiation to remove nine specific areas (approximately 1,876 acres in total as reported in the Stantec memo) from the overlay where factors such as existing development, topography and planned land use make data center use infeasible. The board also directed staff to undertake a broader, consultant-supported Phase 2 review of the overlay boundary and nonconforming uses.
Why this matters: The data center overlay has been the subject of sustained public concern about where high‑power data facilities can be built. Removing parcels from the overlay does not immediately change zoning for properties, but it narrows the areas where data centers could be allowed by right under the overlay rules. Planning staff said the Phase 2 reassessment will include a methodology, stakeholder engagement and a property-by-property evaluation.
Process and next steps: Phase 1 will include owner notification, community engagement and DORAC/PC meetings before coming back to the board for adoption. Phase 2 will be a comprehensive consultant‑led assessment of the entire overlay boundary. Staff expects to return with draft zoning map amendment language and public hearing dates after those steps.
Vote: The board voted unanimously to initiate the removal of the nine identified parcels and to direct the broader reassessment work.
Speakers referenced: Reza Ramyar (planning) delivered the staff briefing and described the phased approach; supervisors asked for expedited scheduling and comprehensive outreach.
Ending: Staff will notify affected property owners, schedule community engagement and prepare draft ordinance language for public hearings as the two-phase process proceeds.
