Fluvanna supervisors move to require special-use permits for data centers and update definition

The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors voted to initiate an amendment to the county zoning code to reclassify data centers from a by-right use to a use allowed by special-use permit in the Industrial Limited (I-1) and Industrial General (I-2) zoning districts. The proposed amendment also would broaden the code’s definition of data centers by replacing the phrase "transmission of facts and information in digital form" with the broader term "transmission of digital data," and by clarifying that facilities “may include air handlers.”

Dan (county planning staff) explained that the language adopted in 2022 reflected then-current industry terms and that changes were recommended after review of other local ordinances and to reflect evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence. The board also included a temporary administrative pause: the record shows the board directed staff to postpone consideration of any site-plan applications for data centers until Jan. 31 to allow the zoning amendment process to progress.

A motion to approve the resolution of intent and the definition changes passed on the motion and second; the transcript records the chair’s recorded response as "Aye." The amendment will proceed to the Planning Commission for public hearing and recommendation.