The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors reviewed numerous proposed resolutions and land-use matters, including a child care permit, commercial development and floodplain work. The transcript records a closed-session vote and certification but does not capture final votes on most agenda proposals.

Discussion Points

•A board member argued that protective policy provisions should be codified in the zoning ordinance.
•A board member asked whether floodplain alteration could worsen downstream flooding.
•A board member asked whether the future road connection south of the site was guaranteed and who would build it.
•A board member questioned whether traffic access and turn lanes adequately addressed existing safety concerns.
•A board member raised concern that acceptance could bind the county to existing proffer limits.
•A board member said they would oppose the proposal if the county's priority were not preserved.
•Board members raised concerns about a deep ditch, play-area size, traffic and liability.
•County counsel said additional-insured language could be imposed but did not recommend liability waivers.
•Members discussed phased increases and review triggers.
•Other board members described the proposed edits as a first step and said broader changes could be discussed later.
•Staff clarified that the applicant offered right of way and an extension to the pump station, not beyond.
•Staff described about 44 acres of proposed fill and a reduction in mapped floodplain from about 85 acres to just over 41 acres.
•Staff described a proposed noise-ordinance hearing and a possible additional enforcement option.
•Staff described rezoning about 48 acres for a six-lot industrial park and related proffers.
•Staff identified disagreement about county tax priority over C-PACE liens.
•Staff presented administrative and policy proposals, including changes to annual leave, road naming, emergency planning, animal-welfare funding and county facilities.
•Staff presented a funding transfer for public-safety radio improvements.
•Staff presented a special permit application for up to 10 children, down from 12 originally requested.
•Staff presented proposed consent resolutions; the transcript does not capture their approval votes.
•Staff proposed deleting three business-park references from the data center policy.
•Staff said the county could delay administrative acceptance and seek an amendment with landowner cooperation.
•The state C-PACE Authority was reviewing the ordinance and agreement.

Decisions

•The board voted to enter closed session and later approved the certification by roll call.

Directions

•Staff asked that the public hearing remain open and be continued to the December meeting.
•Staff said it could develop proposed staged increases and review triggers for further consideration.
•The board left the proposed acceptance on the consent agenda.

Nov

Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors approved several ordinances, permits and land-use actions, including a phased expansion for a home-based child care center and a floodplain exception requiring independent review. The board continued a commercial clean-energy financing ordinance to its next regular meeting.

Discussion Points

•Staff said a recent text amendment related to data centers in the BP district prompted the policy revision.

Decisions

•The board approved a resolution amending the data center development policy.

Oct

Planning Commission - Work Session

Fauquier County Planning Commission held a work session on Oct. 15, 2026 covering special-permit requests for a family day home, a short-term rental and a propane distribution site; two large industrial proposals (Bealton/Collector Road plan and Opel Business Park rezoning) drew detailed staff presentations and commissioner questions about traffic, floodplain fill, phasing and utility capacity.

Discussion Points

•Applicant requested amendment to allow warehouse/office and additional container storage; staff described prior approvals and current proposed limits.
•Commissioners asked about access, remaining structures (cell tower) and how future development would connect to Superior Way.
•Commissioners expressed safety concerns about a deck fire pit shown in the listing and asked staff to verify fuel type and consider restrictions.
•Commissioners raised safety, fencing, septic capacity and traffic concerns; neighbors submitted 10 letters (4 support, 6 oppose).
•Commissioners sought clarity that building cannot proceed until public water/sewer are available and asked about fenced storage and locations for smaller tanks.
•Staff described plan of development for 14 industrial lots, road alignment and revised floodplain limits after a FEMA change.
•Staff presented rezoning concept plan, proffered prohibited uses and transportation/utility proffers.
•Staff presented TIA estimate (~2,278 weekday trips) and explained required infrastructure and phased development approach.
•Staff summarized the request to expand from 4 to up to 12 children and described recommended permit conditions.
•Staff summarized the short‑term rental application and recommended standard conditions.

Directions

•Staff to confirm fenced play area square footage and fence height with the applicant and prepare recommended permit conditions for the evening hearing, including septic verification and buffering/fencing requirements.
•Staff to confirm whether the fire pit is propane or wood‑burning and to advise on whether a condition restricting wood fire pits is warranted.
•Staff to evaluate proffer language and consistency with the Opel Service District plan prior to forwarding a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
•Staff to include conditions requiring public water/sewer availability before building permits are released and to clarify container storage limits and fencing arrangements in the infrastructure/site plan.
•Staff will require finalized TIA and floodplain alteration study as part of infrastructure/site‑plan review; conditions to be included before forwarding a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

Oct

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Fauquier County Planning Commission held a public meeting with multiple public hearings on short-term rentals, a family day home permit, a propane distribution site, an industrial park plan, and a rezoning for the Opel Business Park; the commission recommended approval or forwarding to the Board of Supervisors on each matter.

Discussion Points

•Staff described concept, fill volume, and need for floodplain study; public commenter asked for quantification of fill and downstream impacts; commission considered comp plan conformity.
•Staff described property features, occupancy limits and conditions; owner said a local property manager will respond to issues; a public commenter argued STRs reduce long‑term housing supply.
•Staff outlined rezoning and proffers; applicant representative emphasized public water investments enabling development and tax base improvements.
•Staff summarized prior approvals and proposed building/container additions; VDOT input focused on entrance definition and truck turning; applicant said fence exists and the layout meets practical constraints.
•Staff summarized required play‑area size, septic review and licensing; neighbor raised drowning and fence concerns; supporter cited applicant's licensing and experience.

Decisions

•Planning Commission approved site development plan and forwarded special exception to Board.
•Planning Commission forwarded SPPT‑27519 to the Board of Supervisors with staff conditions.
•Planning Commission recommended forwarding SPPT-27500 to the Board of Supervisors with conditions.
•Planning Commission recommended forwarding the SPEX amendment to the Board of Supervisors with VDOT and staff conditions.
•Planning Commission recommended forward of rezoning REZN‑26026989 to Board of Supervisors.

Directions

•Applicant to work with VDOT and staff to resolve access and turning concerns before final approvals.
•Forward application and revised conditions to Board of Supervisors.
•Forward rezoning and proffers to Board of Supervisors with recommendation for approval.
•Require improved floodplain study and ensure roads meet VDOT standards.
•Staff to confirm septic capacity; recommend conditions about play area and supervision.

Oct

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Fauquier County Planning Commission held a regular meeting with multiple public hearings on short-term rental, a family day home (Oak Ridge Early Learning Center), a propane distribution site, a 14‑lot industrial park plan, and the Opel Business Park rezoning; commissioners forwarded recommendations or approvals to the Board of Supervisors on several items.

Discussion Points

•Applicant argued existing site circulation and fencing mitigate some concerns; VDOT raised access/entrance points.
•Applicant highlighted county water investments enabling development.
•Applicant stressed service district consistency and potential economic benefits.
•Commissioners debated administrative vs special permit owner‑occupancy thresholds.
•Commissioners emphasized proffers and infrastructure sequencing.
•Commissioners sought clarification on septic/drainfield capacity and play area location.
•Commission prioritized VDOT recommendations for safe vehicle access.
•Multiple items forwarded with staff conditions.
•Neighbor cited pond hazards and inadequate fencing; supporter cited provider's licensing and community value.
•Public commenter expressed concerns about flood flows and road closures during heavy rain.
•Public commenters raised concerns about conversion of long‑term rentals and community character.
•Staff described occupancy limits, prohibitions, and pre‑use documentation.
•Staff explained denial of prior administrative permit and conditions for special permit.
•Staff explained rezoning, proffers and required infrastructure.
•Staff reviewed comprehensive plan guidance, floodplain impacts and phasing.
•Staff reviewed past approvals and proposed warehouse and container storage.
•Technical follow‑up tasks: septic verification, VDOT access, improved floodplain studies, utility and TIA updates.

Decisions

•All items forwarded or approved as noted; Board of Supervisors to act on forwarded items.
•Commission voted to forward the amendment to the Board of Supervisors with VDOT and staff conditions.
•Motion to forward carried by voice vote; item forwarded to Board of Supervisors.
•Motion to forward to Board of Supervisors with staff‑recommended conditions carried by voice vote.
•Plan of development approved by planning commission; special exception forwarded to Board of Supervisors with conditions.
•Rezoning forwarded with recommendation for approval.

Directions

•Applicants required to provide technical verifications to planning staff as conditions for approval during subsequent review.
•Applicant to work with health department and submit septic verification; conditions include supervised play area and limits on hours and access.
•Applicant to work with VDOT on entrance design and parking layout; staff conditions to be included in recommendation to the Board.
•decisions":["All items forwarded or approved as noted; Board of Supervisors to act on forwarded items."]
•decisions":["Rezoning forwarded with recommendation for approval."]
•Forward application to Board of Supervisors with recommended conditions; staff to confirm septic/drainfield and VDOT entrance compliance.
•Forward rezoning with proffers to Board of Supervisors; applicant to coordinate infrastructure and TIA updates.
•Require floodplain alteration study as appropriate and ensure road design meets VDOT standards; infrastructure phasing tied to utility provision.

Oct

Planning Commission - Work Session

Fauquier County Planning Commission held its regular Oct. 15, 2026 work session, reviewing special permits and rezoning proposals including an Oak Ridge family day home expansion, a 14‑lot industrial park and collector road in the Bealton Service District, the Opel Business Park rezoning, a Marshall short‑term rental, and an amendment for a propane distribution site in Marshall.

Discussion Points

•Applicant requests Category 2 special permit to expand from 4 to 12 children; staff proposes conditions including hours, staggered pickups, no signage/lighting, no driveway expansion, septic verification and three‑year permit with admin renewals.
•Applicant seeks amended special exception to add office/warehouse (2,100 sq. ft. footprint), storage containers (~40x8 feet each) and continued external tank storage until warehouse completion.
•Category 23 special exception proposes ~44 acres of engineered fill to revise floodplain from ~85 to ~41 acres on the parcels.
•Commissioners raised safety concerns about a deck fire pit and asked staff to confirm fuel type and consider restrictions.
•Plan proposes 14 lots, new public street/collector, private access streets, and up to ~720,000 sq ft of I‑2 development; TIA estimates ~2,278 weekday vehicle trips.
•Rezoning to I‑1 for ~48 acres, creation of Superior Way, proffers to prohibit certain uses and require TIA updates when triggers are met (2,410 trips/day or 92,000 sq. ft.).
•Short‑term rental permit proposed for 4 guests max, ~3 times/month; prohibited activities include events/fireworks; caretaker agreement and registration required.
•Staff proposed limits on storage container area, building footprint and required water/sewer availability before building occupancy; VDOT entrance conditions suggested by VDOT were discussed.
•Utility commitments include a 0.5 acre utility lot for a pump station and extension of water/sewer from Opel Road.

Decisions

•No final action recorded at the work session.
•No final action recorded at work session.
•No final action taken in work session excerpt.
•No final approval recorded at work session; staff provided a recommended resolution of approval for later consideration.
•No formal decision recorded during work session.

Directions

•Staff and applicant to refine proffers and infrastructure commitments for formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
•Staff to confirm fenced play area square footage, verify septic/drain field capacity with health department, and prepare recommended fencing and buffering conditions for evening session.
•Staff to confirm whether the fire pit is propane or wood burning and to propose conditions if necessary.
•Staff to ensure conditions include water/sewer connection and VDOT entrance requirements and to confirm fencing/secure storage arrangements in site plan or infrastructure plan review.
•Staff to finalize TIA during infrastructure/site plan review, coordinate with VDOT and WSA, and require floodplain alteration study and state/federal approvals prior to infrastructure plan release.

Oct

Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors (Oct. 8, 2026) adopted zoning changes on family day homes and data centers, approved two special permits (a Vietnam Buddhist meditation center in Marshall and a pet aquamation business in Bealeton), and heard public concerns about safety on Route 17.

Discussion Points

•Applicants described expected volume and WSA confirmed pretreatment oversight.
•He referenced VDOT data and school‑zone camera funding as potential resources.
•Neighbors cited petitions and alleged previous unpermitted changes to the property, raising traffic, septic and well concerns.
•No public speakers were present.
•Resident criticized blinking lights as insufficient at three high‑crash intersections on Route 17 and asked for a mix of solutions.
•Staff explained the amendment aligns county code with HB 258 (2026).
•Staff said one recent complaint exists (ADU porch screening) and that valid permits or corrective actions would be required at site plan.
•Staff summarized county history with data center applications and state study on impacts.
•Supervisors debated fiscal tradeoffs and compatibility with rural character.
•Supervisors sought clarity on monitoring frequency; motion specified biennial WSA inspections with more frequent checks if needed.

Decisions

•Ordinance adopted removing data centers as a use in BP and requiring special exception in PCID.
•Ordinance adopted unanimously.
•Permit approved with conditions; board added administrative renewal every three years.
•Permit approved with WSA monitoring and a 400 gpd discharge limit.

Directions

•Apply new zoning definitions and special-exception procedures to future applications; preserve previously approved projects in PCID and one BP site.
•Apply updated terminology across affected zoning articles.
•Board to keep Route 17 safety under review and pursue additional public discussion and potential measures.
•If denied, code enforcement would investigate current use; because approved, staff will verify well permit at site plan and require abandonment if necessary.
•Require effluent meter readings quarterly and initial lab testing; WSA approvals prior to operation.

Oct

Board of Supervisors - Work Session

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors held a work session and agenda review on 2026-10-08 covering consent-agenda items, multiple conservation easements and PDR amendments, a package of zoning and special-permit hearings (home‑based child care, data centers, a meditation center, a pet aquamation business), county government contributions to nonprofits, and a detailed briefing on regional public‑safety radio system problems and a Route 17 safety study with a board direction to pursue interim beacons.

Discussion Points

•Applicants estimate processing up to 100 pets/week; most animals will be handled via partner veterinary clinics.
•Board asked for assurances on monitoring, enforcement (inspection/log requirements) and backup generator for refrigeration.
•Board asked whether grandfathered or already approved projects would be affected.
•Board consensus to place items on consent agenda.
•Budget staff described the annual application to existing nonprofit recipients and the matrix used to evaluate requests.
•Funding options include CSOI maintenance funds, repurposing radio project savings, grants, and CIP amendments.
•Heat maps show crash clusters at key intersections (Belvoir, Old Tavern, Bland Tire).
•History of data center applications showed multiple large proposals and several withdrawals; concerns over compatibility, water and energy demands, noise, and landscape impacts.
•Intermediate measures (beacons, turn lanes, shoulders) can be funded via CSOI or HSIP; long‑term measures require SmartScale.
•L3 Harris is conducting a system survey to diagnose failures.
•Multiple conservation easements proposed for acceptance across the Marshall District; staff asserted consistency with the county comprehensive plan.
•Multiple microwave links show chronic instability and one link escalated to a critical alarm that caused an outage.
•Multiple supervisors asked staff to present required vs. discretionary allocations and a ranked/capped approach for discretionary funds.
•PDR amendments for High Hope Farm (to 10 relinquished rights) and for Alexandra Martens (adjust to 6 relinquished rights) were presented; staff said funding is sufficient.
•Planning Commission recommended approval and staff received no comments at that step.
•Planning Commission recommended removing permitted use in BP and requiring special exception in PCID, with definitions and design requirements.
•Replace 'family day home' with 'home‑based child care' to match state code under HB 258.
•Supervisors asked for weighting based on severity and for cost estimates.
•Supervisors said some contributions are mandated by interjurisdictional formulas or statute; others are discretionary.
•Update multiple articles (3,4,5,6,15) for definitions and use charts.
•WSA reviewed manufacturer discharge data and will require pretreatment, testing and inspections; the primary pretreatment concern is elevated pH from alkaline hydrolysis.

Decisions

•Board directed staff to request concurrence for beacons and to prepare funding options.
•Items moved to consent agenda.

Directions

•Board to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation and clarify grandfathering language for existing approved projects.
•Items moved to consent agenda for formal evening action.
•Staff to confirm with WSA specific pretreatment, monitoring and enforcement requirements and report back; consider adding a condition requiring a backup generator for refrigerated storage.
•Staff to get cost estimates and present options for immediate repairs and longer‑term redundancy funding; coordinate with Culpeper and Rappahannock counties.
•Staff to return with a matrix that clearly marks mandatory vs. discretionary contributions and proposed ranking/cap options before FY28 budget decisions.
•Staff to seek concurrence with VDOT to install flashing beacons as an interim safety improvement and to report back with cost estimates and funding options.

Oct

Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors (Oct. 8, 2026) approved several land-use measures including zoning text amendments on home-based child care and data centers, granted two special permits (a Vietnam Buddhist Meditation Center with a 3-year administrative review requirement and a pet aquamation business with monitoring), and heard a citizen plea on Route 17 safety.

Discussion Points

•Applicants anticipate 100 animals per week, mostly via partner clinics; staff and WSA detailed pretreatment and monitoring plans.
•Board adopted the amended agenda and then adopted the consent agenda by voice vote.
•Board members requested clarity on monitoring frequency; motion set biannual inspections with option for more frequent checks.
•Filing said blinking lights are insufficient and cited VDOT crash data identifying Old Tavern Road, Belvoir Road and Blantyre Road as dangerous intersections.
•He urged using speed-display devices and using speed-ticket-camera funds for safety projects.
•Neighbors alleged misrepresentation, unpermitted modifications, and traffic/sight-line hazards at Crest Hill Road.
•No public comment was received; Planning Commission recommended approval.
•Staff explained amendment is to comply with state HB 258 and to update terminology.
•Staff recounted history of data-center applications and recurring compatibility concerns.
•Staff said one complaint exists regarding an accessory dwelling unit porch and that the newer well appears permitted; outstanding questions to be resolved at site plan stage.
•Supervisor noted potential tax revenue but questioned net fiscal impact given county cost growth.
•Vice Chair outlined specific agenda changes including moving a waiver item to consent and adding a salary increase resolution.

Decisions

•Amendment adopted by voice vote.
•Consent agenda adopted as amended; personnel resolution included.
•No formal board action on Route 17 safety during the meeting.
•Ordinance adopted to remove data centers as a use in BP District and require special exception in PCID District.
•Special permit approved with conditions and a three-year administrative-review requirement.
•Special permit approved with WSA monitoring and a 400-gallon daily discharge limit.

Directions

•Add administrative renewal every three years to provide oversight.
•If complaints persist, code enforcement will investigate and require compliance or permits.
•Require WSA to inspect pretreatment systems and provide periodic monitoring; include effluent metering and reporting.
•Staff to implement ordinance changes and update code text and public materials.
•Staff to update code text and public-facing materials.

Oct

Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors met Oct. 8, 2026. The board approved several zoning amendments and special permits — including text changes on home-based child care, a data-center zoning amendment, a special permit for a Vietnam Buddhist Meditation Center (with additional administrative-review conditions after neighbor objections), and a special permit for a pet aquamation business with wastewater monitoring conditions — and recognized the 100th anniversary of the Warrenton Rotary Club.

Discussion Points

•Adam summarized the history of data-center applications, energy and compatibility concerns and the Planning Commission recommendation.
•Applicant representative said the newer well is the one in use and offered neighbor site visits; staff confirmed one recent complaint regarding the accessory dwelling unit and said building inspectors would investigate.
•Board discussed frequency of ongoing WSA monitoring; motion specified twice-yearly inspections with flexibility for WSA to require more frequent checks.
•Board recorded no public opposition at the hearing.
•Board voted to adopt the ordinance; one supervisor recorded a 'no.'
•Filing requested broader discussion and use of alternative funding sources (local speed-camera funds) rather than sole reliance on VDOT smart-scale programs.
•Neighbors alleged past misrepresentations, an additional unpermitted well, ADU enclosure and traffic/sightline safety concerns on Crest Hill Road.
•Planning staff explained amendment derives from HB 258 (2026) and the Planning Commission recommendation.
•Proclamation read by Chair and accepted by Rotary president.
•Resident Scott Filing urged more robust safety measures for Route 17 intersections beyond blinking lights and recommended Joe Vogel speed-measure systems.
•Staff described the proposed conversion of 700 sq ft of residence and garage; anticipated processing up to 100 pets per week and WSA's role in pretreatment testing.
•Staff outlined the use, hours, attendance limit (max 20) and parking (17 spaces) and Planning Commission recommendation.
•Supervisor (speaker 2) questioned long-term fiscal benefits and noted possible school and infrastructure costs tied to development.

Decisions

•Ordinance adopted by voice vote
•Ordinance adopted with one 'no' recorded
•Special permit approved; added administrative review/renewal every three years as a condition.
•Special permit approved with monitoring and equipment conditions.

Directions

•Require effluent metering and quarterly reporting to the zoning administrator; WSA oversight before operation.
•Site-plan review and verification of wells/septic at the site-plan stage; planning and code enforcement to coordinate oversight.
•Staff to implement the ordinance change and follow up with affected applicants

Oct

Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors met Oct. 8, 2026. The board approved zoning text changes for home-based child care, tightened rules for data centers, approved two special permits (a Vietnam Buddhist Meditation Center with added administrative review, and a pet aquamation business with WSA monitoring), heard public comment about Route 17 safety, and issued a proclamation honoring the Warrenton Rotary Club's 100th anniversary.

Discussion Points

•Applicants propose up to 100 animals/week primarily via veterinary clinic deliveries and limited client drop-offs; WSA reviewed pretreatment and will require testing and monitoring.
•A supervisor argued potential tax revenue could be substantial but questioned whether it would cover county costs; the supervisor voted no.
•Board discussed inspection frequency and chose biannual WSA inspections, with allowance for more frequent checks if WSA recommends.
•Feiling argued flashing lights are insufficient at three Route 17 intersections and advocated for broader measures including speed-feedback technology and use of school-zone camera funds.
•Neighbors alleged unpermitted modifications, raised traffic and sight-distance concerns, and submitted a petition; staff noted one recent complaint about an accessory dwelling porch being worked on.
•Staff advised that well and drainfield questions and other technical issues would be reviewed during site-plan review, and code enforcement could act if complaints merited investigation.
•Staff reviewed past applications and recommended removing the use in BP and requiring special exception in PCID to protect rural landscape and manage infrastructure impacts.
•Staff said amendment aligns county zoning terms with HB 258 and recommended changes to articles 3,4,5,6,15.

Decisions

•Approved special permit with additional administrative three-year review condition.
•Ordinance adopted by voice vote to update terminology
•Ordinance adopted with one recorded no vote
•Special permit approved with conditions including 400 gpd limit and biannual WSA inspections.

Directions

•Require pretreatment design approval and initial lab testing prior to full operation; require effluent meter reporting and regular WSA oversight.
•Require site-plan verification of wells and drainfield permitting prior to final site approval.

Oct

Board of Supervisors - Work Session

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors work session and agenda review (Oct. 8, 2026) covering consent agenda items and proclamations, staff briefings on property sales and government contributions, multiple conservation easement and purchase-of-development-rights items, a public hearing schedule for Norfolk Southern, a presentation on public safety radio issues and a VDOT safety study of Route 17 between Warrenton and Marshall.

Discussion Points

•Board asked for further detail on water usage, effluent characteristics, monitoring and possible generator backup for the walk‑in refrigerator.
•Board asked whether Norfolk Southern had eminent‑domain authority for the county easement.
•Board considered effectiveness of speed feedback signs and rumble strips and the feasibility of median widening and Smart Scale funding.
•Board members asked whether county funds offset county expenditures and requested clearer separation of required vs discretionary contributions.
•Board raised neighbor allegations and the existence of a code enforcement complaint.
•Engineering review found multiple unstable microwave links and causes including wind, damage, tree growth and deferred maintenance.
•Planner described site, conditions, and Planning Commission recommendation.
•Staff described operations and WSA pretreatment requirements; Planning Commission recommended approval.
•Staff described redundancy via fiber but noted some links were operating on backup fiber while primary microwave links were degraded.
•Staff described the annual nonprofit application and jurisdictional funding formulas.
•Staff explained the MOU terms (replacement easement, PDR payment, reimbursement of county costs).
•Staff summarized history of airport standards and FAA review; Airport Committee recommended forwarding the documents.
•Staff summarized multiple PDR amendments and donated conservation easements and confirmed they align with the comprehensive plan.
•VDOT presented crash heat maps and a list of short, intermediate and long‑term countermeasures including beacons, turn lanes, shoulders and potential resurfacing as part of intermediate projects.

Decisions

•Board accepted staff's recommendation to forward the documents for consideration and adoption.
•Board directed staff to advance short‑term repairs and funding options.
•Board gave direction to pursue beacons with CSOI funding and to explore intermediate funding sources; long‑term projects will be pursued through Smart Scale/HSIP as appropriate.
•Items moved to consent agenda for action at the regular meeting.
•Matter to return for public hearing and board action at the regular meeting.

Directions

•Board to consider adding generator backup condition for refrigeration.
•Coordinate community outreach if intermediate or long‑term geometric changes are proposed.
•Coordinate with Culpeper and Rappahannock and bring cost‑share options to the board.
•Proceed with CSOI funding request for flashing beacons at priority intersections and bring cost estimates and implementation schedule to the board.
•Proceed with maintenance estimate, use CSOI funding if feasible, and pursue grants while planning for long‑term replacement in CIP.
•Schedule public hearing for the MOU with Norfolk Southern.
•Staff to check and report specific water usage numbers and coordinate with WSA about industrial use permits/pretreatment requirements.
•Staff to prepare a matrix listing required versus discretionary contributions and consider a ranking model for discretionary funds (similar to PDR).

Sep

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Volcker County Planning Commission considered zoning changes and special permits on Sept. 17, 2026, including amendments for home‑based childcare terminology, two special permits (a Buddhist meditation center and a pet aquamation business), a comprehensive plan review for a 20 MW battery energy storage project (Portrush Energy Center), and a zoning amendment restricting data centers outside designated industrial areas.

Discussion Points

•Advocacy group requested additional language to prevent a power plant being treated as an accessory use.
•Amend terminology to match state statute; no substantive policy changes noted.
•Applicant described limited weekly services, capacity and operational controls.
•Applicant framed BESS benefits: grid reliability, peak load management, local employment during construction, and screening/visual mitigation.
•Commissioners noted the revised resolution was specific to this concept to avoid setting broad precedent.
•Neighbors alleged misrepresentation and raised traffic/safety concerns.
•Opponents cited comprehensive plan language protecting farmland and heritage resources (Buckland Mills battlefield).
•Proposed hours, trip generation (~4 vehicle trips/day), and anticipated 100 pets/week cap.
•Resident praise for staff responsiveness and thorough review of data center applications.
•Sewer connection to public system required with applicant‑funded easement and pretreatment approval by WSA.
•Staff confirmed driveway widening and fire marshal concurrence.
•Staff overviewed history of zoning changes (2013, 2017) and recent pattern of withdrawals and concerns over compatibility and infrastructure.

Decisions

•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors
•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors.
•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors with the specified conditions.

Directions

•Forward amendment to Board with staff recommendation.
•Forward Resolution A (revised) to Board of Supervisors for decision.
•Forward to Board with conditions requiring sewer connection and pretreatment.
•Forward to Board with staff conditions to limit operational impacts.

Sep

Planning Commission - Work Session

Planning Commission work session covering zoning text amendments (home-based childcare, data centers), special permits for a meditation center and a pet aquamation business, a comprehensive plan review for a battery energy storage facility, several planning updates and public safety/traffic questions.

Discussion Points

•Applicant proposed a meditation hall with weekly silent services for up to 20 attendees and supporting parking and garden walking paths.
•Aquamation process described; applicants estimate up to 100 pets/week with most collected from vet partners and some drop-off clients.
•Commissioner expressed concern about who accesses roving camera data and how long data is retained.
•Commissioners raised fire-safety setback, access/road alignment, and visual/landscape mitigation questions.
•Due to wastewater concerns, staff requires connection to public sewer and pretreatment approval by WSA before operations commence.
•Project is a 20 MW, ~6-acre battery energy facility with ~28 enclosures; staff views it as a public utility use requiring commission determination of consistency with the comp plan.
•Resident requested lower speed from Route 29 through Covington's Corner Road; staff noted VDOT reviews speed using 85th-percentile and crash history.
•Staff and sheriff said the devices have assisted in solving crimes; cameras on private property do not require county approval.
•Staff argued data centers present compatibility, infrastructure and environmental concerns and recommended moving data centers to special exception in many districts.
•Staff proposed conditions to limit attendance, lighting (bollard only), sign size, and to ensure septic/drain-field adequacy and emergency access.
•Staff recommended excluding projects with likely vested rights from any ordinance changes to avoid legal issues.
•Staff recommended exempting projects that likely have vested rights from ordinance changes to prevent legal disputes.
•Staff suggested sheriff enforcement and message boards as interim responses.
•Vested rights commonly require an affirmative governmental act and subsequent reliance/expenditure.

Directions

•Commissioners to watch for potential legislative proposals addressing oversight.
•If found consistent, applicant to file special exception for technical review and conditions.
•Staff to compile data and submit to VDOT; sheriff to consider targeted enforcement if requested.
•Staff to draft final permit conditions including lighting prohibition and sign-size language as discussed.
•Staff to draft ordinance language and resolution; identify projects likely to have vested rights for exclusion.
•Staff to draft permit conditions: sewer connection and pretreatment, hours, processing limits, setbacks and screening.
•Staff to identify and list projects believed to have vested rights for exemption language.
•Staff to provide more information and encourage contact with the sheriff for specifics.

Sep

Planning Commission - Work Session

Fauquier County Planning Commission work session on Sept. 17, 2026 covered proposed zoning text changes for home-based childcare, multiple special-permit applications (a Buddhist meditation center and a pet aquamation business), a comprehensive-plan review for a 20 MW battery energy storage facility, and a major zoning text amendment to restrict data-center development outside designated districts. Commissioners also discussed enforcement tools such as Flock cameras and local traffic concerns, and staff announced a temporary meeting relocation.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked about location within wooded area, access, impacts to viewshed and farmland and whether findings should be limited to the mapped location.
•Commissioners debated driveway width (emergency access vs. rural aesthetics) and agreed staff could update conditions to limit signage and lighting.
•Commissioners expressed concern about privacy and data-access by third parties; some expected legislative review.
•Governor-declared state of emergency for drought relief to assist farmers with hay transport.
•Legal counsel explained vested-rights doctrine and the plan to grandfather projects with likely vested rights while changing the ordinance prospectively.
•Planner described the process and site conversion, hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.), and 100-animal-per-week cap.
•Staff confirmed the use areas fall within the service district and WSA has preliminarily agreed to accept wastewater subject to pretreatment.
•Staff described site layout, hours (10 a.m.–noon once per week), 20-attendee limit, and limits on lighting and signage.
•Staff described the layout, setbacks (100 ft), enclosures, and supporting infrastructure for a 20 MW facility.
•Staff explained that VDOT uses the 85th-percentile method for speed-limit changes and that the sheriff's office can provide enforcement data.
•Staff reported no public comments and invited further commissioner feedback.
•Staff reviewed a history of local data-center applications, technical and compatibility concerns, and the county's data-center policy.
•Staff said the amendment aligns local ordinance language with the state law and updates use charts and standards.
•Staff said the sheriff's office installs Flock cameras (often on private property) and that strict rules govern use and retention.
•Updated land-development fee schedule aligning with state DEQ/stormwater fees; Mint Brook rezoning approved.
•Warren Green Building sale and upcoming meeting relocation to Town Hall (21 Main Street).

Directions

•If commissioners find the project consistent, staff will craft a resolve clause tied to the submitted materials and mapped location to avoid broad approval across the larger parcel.
•If moved forward, staff recommended excluding already-vested projects from ordinance changes and adding specific resolve language tying any finding to submitted materials and mapped location.
•Staff to collect data from the sheriff's office and VDOT methodology and report back on the Covington's Corner speed request.
•Staff to provide details on parking and meeting logistics at Town Hall.
•Staff to revise conditions to allow no pole lights (bollard only), restrict signage size, and clarify driveway width to meet minimum emergency services requirement.

Sep

Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Fauquier County Planning Commission met Sept. 17, 2026; the commission recommended approval of several text amendments and special permits, advanced two special-permit applications to the Board of Supervisors (Vietnam Buddhist Meditation Center and Water Wings pet acclimation), and forwarded a revised comprehensive-plan resolution for the Portrush Energy Center (battery storage) after public comment.

Discussion Points

•Benefits: local grid reliability, peak-load support, use of existing distribution lines.
•Change aligns local code with HB 258 (2026).
•Citizen praised staff responsiveness and thoroughness.
•Citizen reported 8–9 data-center application withdrawals in recent years.
•Conditions: attendance limit 20; driveway widened to 20 feet for 50 feet; no parking-lot lighting; signage limit to one freestanding sign, 24 sq ft and 6 ft height.
•Definitions and use-chart updates across articles 3,4,5,6,15.
•Directions: staff rewrote resolution to be project‑specific to avoid blanket precedent.
•Infrastructure: connect to public sewer and meet WSA pretreatment requirements.
•Operations: appointment-only client visits; estimated 4 vehicle trips per day; cap at up to 100 pets/week.
•Opposition: project on agricultural land and proximity to Buckland Mills battlefield area; advocates prefer commercial/industrial siting.
•Project: 20 MW battery energy storage system on ~5–6 acres of a 200‑acre parcel.
•Proposed aquamation facility on existing property; conversion of detached garage and 700 sq ft for comfort room.
•Proposed changes: remove permitted status in BP; require special exceptions in PCID; add definitions and caps for accessory data/computer services.
•Site: 9576 Crest Hill Road, 5 acres, rural land-use designation.
•Staff reviewed prior approvals and multiple withdrawals; identified recurring concerns (scale, water, power, viewshed, access, compatibility).

Decisions

•Adopt Revised Resolution A and forward to Board (3–1)
•Recommend approval of text amendment
•Recommend approval to Board of Supervisors
•Recommendation of approval
•Recommendation of approval (3–1)

Directions

•Forward recommendation to Board of Supervisors.
•Forward Revised Resolution A to Board of Supervisors.
•Forward to Board of Supervisors with staff-revised conditions.
•Forward to Board with conditions for sewer connection and pretreatment compliance.

Sep

Board of Supervisors- Work Session

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors held an agenda-review and work session on Sept. 10, 2026 covering airport grants and procurement, legislative priorities, a proposed zoning definition change for 'barn,' FY2027 budget amendments including school and airport grants, a drought-plan update, capital projects/CIP planning and school construction updates, and a vote to enter closed session.

Discussion Points

•Board debated timing and financing for a potential judicial center and whether to hold a referendum; financial advisor warned of consequences of a failed referendum.
•Construction progress milestones and contingency/allowances were reviewed; occupancy planned for August 2028.
•Consultant proposed adding judicial funding language to the legislative priorities; staff will prepare a red-line and discuss with delegation.
•Detailed line items: state school funds, federal security grant, FAA/DOAV airport grants and small local matches.
•Details and limitations of the new 1% local option sales tax for school capital were explained, including exclusions and that it cannot be used for existing debt or operations.
•Facilities study identified properties for potential divestment and consolidation; staff suggested use of proffer funds and public‑private partnerships for some reuse.
•Original contract value and allowance usage were disclosed.
•Preliminary revenue estimate for Fauquier County presented; timing and ballot logistics discussed.
•Staff described a single responsive bid and recommended two separate awards to track projects; funding primarily from FAA/DOAV grants.
•Staff identified airport manager Stacy Williams as the applicant and consultants supporting the grant process.
•Staff proposed size thresholds to define 'barn'; supervisors debated cumulative measurement, portable equipment, and potential exemptions.
•Staff recommended acting on the definition and addressing accessory uses later; some supervisors preferred combined package to avoid interim confusion.

Decisions

•Public hearing to remain open; no final adoption at this session.

Directions

•Board to consider whether to call a referendum in future meetings.
•Design and construction team to continue reporting milestone updates and any material PCOs.
•Discuss priorities at the legislative luncheon; circulate red-line prior to adoption.
•Place the contract authorization on the formal meeting agenda for action and provide funding detail and contract documents.
•Staff to prepare cumulative, adjacency, and affixation (fixed-to-ground) language options and timeline for Planning Commission review and return within ~30 days if feasible.
•Staff to return with appropriation ordinances and contract documents for Board action.
•Staff to return with property valuations, proffer accounting, and options for public‑private partnerships and financing timelines.
•Staff to work with legal counsel and school division to analyze capital needs and ballot timing if Board wishes to proceed.

Sep

Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

Regular Fauquier County Board of Supervisors meeting held 2026-09-10; public comment focused on Route 17 speeding and a proposed transmission line, the board approved several routine items including a sewer easement for Laurel Ridge Community College, passed budget amendments and fee-schedule changes, left a barn-definition zoning amendment open for further study, and approved a rezoning amendment for Minbrook commercial uses.

Discussion Points

•Added buffers/screening for drive‑through and outdoor storage were described
•Airport projects: taxiway rehab $3,500,000 with ~95% federal funding and local match $34,000; self-serve fuel station $877,000 with small local match
•Annual CPI indexing for stormwater and MS4 fees
•DEQ fee increases and the requirement to update construction stormwater and MS4 fees
•Entitlements (575 units, 310,000 sq ft commercial) unchanged
•Federal school security grant: $61,000
•HB 30 allocations and school transfers ($1.4M total; $720k to asset fund; $417k to nutrition fund)
•Morrisville transmission line project contains two high-voltage lines (500 kV and 230 kV) and a substation expansion
•No public comment was offered during the hearing
•Project would primarily serve data centers in Northern Virginia and passes through southern Fauquier County near a Morrisville elementary school playground
•Proposed text would add thresholds (greater than 256 sq ft or more than 10 ft tall) to the definition of 'barn'
•Public commenter argued the change narrows existing law and may respond to a single zoning complaint
•Recommendation to invite vendor demonstrations (Radar Signs, Traffic Logics)
•Removal of the $25,000 maximum land‑disturbing fee
•Reports of recent crashes and repeated guardrail damage costing approximately $10,000
•Request to put Route 17 traffic safety on Oct. 8 work agenda
•Rezoning affects ~5.63 acres of Minbrook town center to accommodate two retail users
•Speakers urged public participation in the SCC docket and thanked the board for filing party status
•Staff recommended studying setback requirements and re-advertising the hearing
•Staff said the request is similar to a prior matter where water lines were granted in same location

Decisions

•Ordinance and resolution adopted to align local fees with state regulatory changes
•Public hearing left open; no final action taken
•Resolution adopted authorizing the easement
•Resolution to amend the FY2027 budget adopted
•Rezoning amendment approved

Directions

•County administrator authorized to execute the easement
•Staff to analyze setback implications and re-advertise the hearing when ready

Sep

Board of Supervisors- Work Session

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors agenda-review and work sessions covered airport grant-backed projects, zoning definition changes for 'barns', a rezoning amendment for Mint Brook to allow Tractor Supply and Chipotle, adoption of updates to the county drought plan, capital facilities/CIP planning (including judicial center planning and school repurposing), and proclamations for National Preparedness Month and Fire Prevention Week.

Discussion Points

•Amendment allows two commercial users (Tractor Supply, Chipotle) to fit revised Building A/B footprints and modifies active-commercial glazing/percentage requirements.
•CIP approx. $135M with major items including Judicial Center and Taylor Middle School; airport projects and the Laurel Ridge trail featured.
•County will purchase additional rain gauges and share data with state and federal partners.
•Dewberry study identified properties for divestment and needs across county buildings.
•Grants from FAA and Virginia DOAV will fund majority (~99%) of project costs; small local matches sourced from capital projects fund.
•Plan updated to meet state requirements and to include better data and team membership.
•Questions focused on access (Jefferson Boulevard) and timing for associated road connections.
•Some supervisors proposed treating total square footage cumulatively; others opposed cumulative approach citing regenerative farming practices.
•Staff proposed changing Section 15-300 to define 'barn' as >256 sq ft and >10 ft in height.
•Staff reported one responsive bid and recommended award to Chemung Contracting Corporation.

Directions

•Staff to consider timing and the potential to bring accessory-use/adjacency revisions through the planning commission for advisory review.
•Staff to continue coordination on transportation/access and return for formal action.
•Staff to finalize plan for Board approval and proceed with gauge deployment and outreach.
•Staff to present formal award and appropriation on regular agenda for vote.
•Staff to provide more detailed property valuations, potential proffer uses and updated timelines; steering committee to resume Judicial Center planning and RFP response review.

Sep

Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on 2026-09-10. Citizens raised safety concerns on Route 17 and opposition to a Morrisville transmission project; the board approved several budget and land-use measures, left a zoning text amendment open for further study, and approved a rezoning amendment for Mintbrook allowing two retail uses.

Discussion Points

•Added buffers and screening for drive-through and outdoor storage
•Amendment allows two retail users (Tractor Supply and Chipotle) and alternative building footprints
•Barn-definition zoning amendment left open for additional staff analysis and re-advertisement
•Board agreed to study changes further and re-advertise rather than adopt now
•Board has already filed to be a party in the SCC case
•FAA grants for airport taxiway and fuel station projects
•Federal security grant for school cameras
•HB30-driven increases to compensation board and school funds
•Multiple passed items (easement, budget amendment, fee schedule update, Mintbrook rezoning)
•Parks & Rec reappointment recorded with transcript name variation
•Planning staff and applicant expect quicker commercial interest post-approval
•Project includes two transmission lines (500 kV and 230 kV) and substation expansion
•Proposed amendment introduces area/height standards for barns and removes ambiguity per staff
•Resident Andrew Hirsch opposed the change and argued the amendment was unnecessary and reactive to a complaint
•Resident recommended electronic speed signs and private-vendor demonstrations
•Safety concerns on Route 17 following multiple crashes and guardrail damage
•Speaker argued against eliminating the volunteer ARB and for renaming or clarifying its role
•Speaker urged county participation in SCC and encouraged public comments and testimony
•Suggested pursuing certified local government status to access grants for historic documentation
•Topic placed on the October 8 working agenda for follow-up

Decisions

•Budget amendment approved
•Multiple resolutions/ordinances adopted; zoning text amendment tabled for further study
•Public hearing left open / amendment tabled for further study
•Rezoning amendment approved

Directions

•Staff to analyze potential setback changes and re-advertise
•Staff to implement grant appropriations and to analyze barn-definition/setback issues

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