Planning commission backs staff memo on energy facilities, seeks clearer rules for solar and data centers

King and Queen County Planning Commission Chairman Hunter Richardson called the Oct. 6, 2025 meeting to order and the commission unanimously approved the Sept. 2 minutes.

The commission focused its substantive discussion on Zoning Text Amendment ZA24-02 (Article 4, Table 4.1), which staff prepared to address questions from the Board of Supervisors about utility-scale solar and computer data processing centers. Robert Coleman moved to accept the staff memorandum and send it back to the Board of Supervisors; Michael Flemming seconded the motion, and the commission voted 6–0 to approve the transmittal (Edmond Wilson, Robert Coleman, Hunter Richardson, Mac Bradley, Michael Flemming and Jonathan Massey voted yes).

"I understand the value of data centers, but also listed factors such as water usage, sound issues, and traffic concerns that are associated with data centers and solar farms," resident Wallace Mahanes said during the citizen comment period. Mahanes, who lives in the Saint Stephens Church District, also told commissioners he was concerned that the county's draft documents lacked protections for historic properties and urged long-term planning that looks 20 years ahead.

Chairman Richardson acknowledged the gap and encouraged Mahanes to submit suggested language. Richardson also emphasized that the commission is working proactively: "There are no current applications for a data center," he said, "but the commission is taking the quiet time now to get ahead and reflect before the time comes to make these hard decisions."

Staff noted only one sentence had been added to the previously reviewed draft (highlighted on page 5 of the packet), and commissioners who missed the previous meeting did not propose further edits. The motion to return the memorandum to the Board of Supervisors carried without opposition.

Beyond ZA24-02, staff previewed additional ordinance work tied to a broader rewrite of the county zoning ordinance to reflect recent state legislation and to improve clarity. Donna Elliott Sprouse, Director of Community Development, presented two topics for early commissioner feedback: converting Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) into a distinct zoning district with master-plan requirements (citing New Town in Williamsburg as an example) and revising the county's sign regulations, including methods for measuring sign area when signs are placed on nonstandard structures.

Sprouse asked commissioners to consider the county's desired character and to reduce ambiguous language that could invite inconsistent interpretation. Commissioners discussed preserving rural character and water quality as part of future standards.

In staff announcements, Sprouse invited commissioners to a Dominion Energy battery storage facility tour in New Kent County (nine people per tour; possible dates Oct. 21 or 22). County Administrator Vivan Seay notified commissioners that Delegate Hodges will provide a General Assembly update at the Board of Supervisors' Oct. 14 meeting. Economic Development Director Kelly Evko shared flyers for two business appreciation events on Oct. 16 (library) and Oct. 30 (Hub33).

Chairman Richardson closed the meeting by urging continued public engagement and noting the commission's next regular meeting is set for Nov. 3, 2025, at 6 p.m.