Stafford supervisors debate data center setbacks, noise rules, taxes and utility obligations

Staff and board members spent the bulk of a work session reviewing proposed comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance changes intended to manage data center development in Stafford County, and discussing the fiscal, environmental and service‑delivery implications of those policies.

Deputy County Administrator Donna Krauss opened the data center session by summarizing the evening’s packet, which included a comp‑plan amendment (Exhibit A), a draft ordinance, comparative jurisdiction charts and two illustrative policy options. Mike Zareff, Director of Planning and Zoning, said staff proposed one comp‑plan change (adding "building materials" to recommended noise mitigation measures) and four zoning ordinance revisions: increasing primary structure setbacks (board‑advertised options included up to 1,320 feet in some cases), broadening tree‑preservation language to prioritize existing trees, prohibiting generator testing on state holidays, and requiring sound studies be signed by a professional engineer certified by the Institute of Noise Control Engineering.

Board members pressed staff for specifics. Supervisor Allen asked how the ordinance…