Board initiates plan to end by‑right data‑center development, seeks planning commission review

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted to initiate a zoning text amendment intended to end by‑right data‑center development inside the county's data‑center opportunity overlay, directing staff to work with the planning commission on a new regulatory framework.

Supervisor Subhasa Gordy, who introduced the resolution, framed the measure as a way to stop wholesale conversion of diverse industrial and commercial properties into data centers. "End buy right development of data centers in Prince William County will come to an end," Gordy said during debate, arguing that the overlay as written incentivized displacement of existing businesses.

Planning Director Tanya Washington told the board staff and consultants have done mapping and land‑use analysis and will return with multiple scenarios to a May work session. Washington said options include avoiding proximity to residences and schools, addressing vested‑rights questions, and considering whether data centers should require rezoning or special‑use permits.

Supporters including Supervisor Gordy and others said the move protects small businesses and neighborhoods that have seen mounting pressure from data‑center offers. Opponents raised concerns that the change created uncertainty for property owners and could slow permitting for projects with economic benefits; the board counted a motion to waive rules and then initiated the zoning text amendment with the chair abstaining on the waiver vote.

Next steps: staff will present mapping and scenario options to the board in May and — if the board directs — the county will initiate a formal zoning text amendment that must go to the planning commission and back to the board for public hearings.