King & Queen planning commission affirms recommendation to allow data centers, utility solar in agricultural zones via conditional use permit

The King & Queen County Planning Commission reviewed Zoning Text Amendment ZA24-02 (Article 4, Table 4.1) at a special workshop on Aug. 18, and members said they would likely stand by their prior recommendation to allow data centers and utility-scale solar facilities in the Agricultural (A) zoning district by approved conditional use permit.

Vivan Seay, the county administrator and county attorney, presented a draft memorandum with background information and questions prepared in response to a resolution from the Board of Supervisors concerning data centers and utility solar. Commission members continued discussion begun at their Aug. 4 meeting and, according to the minutes, reached a consensus to maintain the initial recommendation to the Board.

The proposal under ZA24-02 would change provisions in Article 4, Table 4.1 of the zoning text to permit those uses in the Agricultural district only if they receive a conditional use permit, according to the commission’s discussion. Commission members did not adopt a final ordinance at the workshop; the minutes record the commission’s likely recommendation rather than a final Board action.

Chairman Hunter Richardson called the special workshop to order at 6:00 p.m. Comer Jackson performed roll call and determined a quorum was present. The commission members listed as present were Mac Bradley; Edmond Wilson Jr.; Robert Coleman Jr.; Michael Fleming; Hunter Richardson; Comer Jackson; David Campbell; and Barry Allen. Donna Elliott Sprouse, director of community development, and Mark Berry of the Stevensville Board of Supervisor attended along with Seay.

Robert Coleman Jr., a planning commission member, moved to adjourn at the close of business. The motion was ratified by all present members, who voiced “Aye.” Chairman Hunter Richardson noted the commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at 6 p.m.

The amendment will return to the Board of Supervisors for further review; the commission’s minutes do not record a formal vote on ZA24-02 at this workshop, nor do they provide additional conditions or language modifications. The Board of Supervisors prepared the resolution that prompted the commission’s review, and any formal change to the zoning ordinance would require Board action.