Goochland supervisors defer Technology Zone after widespread public opposition to TOD

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 9 voted to defer consideration of a proposed Technology Zone to its Nov. 6 meeting after an evening of public comment in which residents across multiple districts urged the board to slow the process and strengthen protections.

The action followed an extensive public-comment period over the board’s two sessions in which residents criticized elements of the Technology Overlay District (TOD) and the accompanying Technology Zone ordinance—concerns that included by‑right industrial uses on newly added parcels, limits on sound and emergency generator testing, potential air emissions and community notification. Staff asked the board to defer the Technology Zone so the ordinance could be considered at the same meeting as the TOD.

The board’s deputy county administrator for economic and community development, Sarah Worley, told supervisors the Technology Zone (which provides financial incentives for businesses) and the TOD (the planning/design overlay) should be heard together; the board voted to defer the zone until Nov. 6. Chair Tom Winfrey called the deferral during the evening session; after a motion and second the board approved the postponement in a recorded roll call.

Why it matters: Residents repeatedly said the TOD, as written, would allow large industrial facilities—including hyperscale data centers, generator arrays and energy facilities—near established residential neighborhoods. Speakers argued the county’s existing by‑right zoning in parts of West Creek and other areas had already allowed developments that residents did not expect when they bought homes and that the TOD would expand those risks. Several commenters presented technical concerns about noise limits, emergency generator exemptions, and the potential health effects of diesel emissions and battery storage operations.

What residents told the board: More than a dozen callers spoke in the evening; some had prepared technical material and citizen-submitted emails. Steve Levitt summarized a FOIA-based tally he said included nearly 1,000 messages to county staff and the planning commission that were overwhelmingly opposed to the TOD. Multiple speakers asked for stronger daytime and nighttime decibel limits (some urging 40–45 dB targets), larger setbacks between industrial uses and residential parcels, and independent studies on air quality and hydrology before zoning changes are approved.

County response and next steps: Staff said the planning commission deferred formal action on the TOD earlier to gather more public input and recommended the board consider both ordinances together next month. Supervisors said they wanted additional technical review time—particularly on traffic, drainage and well impacts raised by speakers—and asked staff and applicants to return with clearer studies and proffers where appropriate. The public hearing on the Technology Zone is now scheduled for Nov. 6, along with joint consideration of the TOD.