Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Data Centers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Data centers defined as "high-energy-use" may need noise and energy-provider disclosure, staff says
Summary
Under HB153/SB94, facilities requiring 100 megawatts or more are defined as high-energy-use and would trigger special-exception submission requirements; Fairfax County staff said this likely applies to data centers and proposes requiring a noise study for schools and residences within 500 feet and an energy-provider statement on anticipated demand and source.
Staff told attendees HB153/SB94 defines "high energy use facilities" as uses that require 100 megawatts or more and that, in Fairfax County, the likely affected use is data centers.
"A high energy use facility is defined by this bill as being a use that requires 100 megawatts or more of energy," Gastro said. He said staff would amend special-exception submission requirements so applicants for such facilities must provide a noise study showing impacts on schools and residences within 500 feet and a statement from the energy provider on anticipated demand and the source of that energy.
Gastro said zoning evaluation staff would review those materials as part of the special-exception application. The presentation did not specify particular proposed data-center projects or energy sources; staff will add the submission requirements to the draft ordinance language.
