Planning Commission delays Technology Overlay District hearings; residents urge stronger data-center protections

The Goochland County Planning Commission voted 5-0 on Aug. 21 to defer public hearings on proposed comprehensive-plan and zoning changes that would create a Technology Overlay District and lower parking requirements for data centers. The commission and staff said the extra time will allow for a community meeting and additional outreach.

Jamie Sherry, director of community development, said staff is scheduling a public community meeting for Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. in the county administration boardroom and recommended deferring the formal public hearings to the Planning Commission meeting on Sept. 18. "This will give us opportunity for us to inform the community of what the overlay district does and also to, so we can hear feedback and, you know, adjust the amendments accordingly," Sherry told the commission.

The Technology Overlay District (TOD) proposals include an amendment to the comprehensive plan and an amendment to the zoning ordinance that, as presented by staff, would establish the overlay and decrease off-street parking standards for data centers. Sherry summarized two companion docket items—CP-2025-2 and ZOA-2025-1—and said materials and updates are posted on the county website and the TOD project page.

During the citizen-comment period, Steven Shorrock of 12201 Brimner Ridge Circle said he supports the concept of the TOD but urged stronger protections for residents near potential data-center sites. "The TOD has raised the issue of data centers. I support the concept of the TOD, and I'm in favor of allowing some form of data centers, although many of my neighbors do disagree with me," Shorrock said. He raised concerns about decibel limits, inadequate buffers and the possibility that multiple data centers could be built close to homes "by right." He warned, "This is your last chance." The commission did not take additional testimony on the TOD at the meeting; Sherry said staff will use the extra time to inform and hear feedback.

Reverend Lisa Sykes, a resident of Reeder's Ranch, asked the commission whether the county has information from the Virginia Department of Transportation and requested that planned infrastructure details for the northern part of the TOD be made available before the Sept. 8 community meeting so neighbors can prepare comments.

The motion to defer the public hearings to Sept. 18 passed by a roll-call vote, recorded as a five-zero approval. The county will host the community meeting on Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building boardroom; hearings will resume on Sept. 18. Staff advised that updated materials on the proposed overlay are available on the county website and via the project QR code shown during the meeting.