The Planning Commission wants City Council to learn more about data centers and recommend a way for some oversight in zoning rules.
Other Hampton Roads communities are figuring out how to address potential demand for the centers. On May 6, Planning Commission Chairperson John Coston wrote to council that data centers are not specified in the zoning ordinance and are allowed in industrial districts.
He wrote that they now fall under “wholesaling, warehousing, storage or distribution” uses that are permitted in the city.
“We just thought it was worthy of having some constraints and some power to say no if no needs to be said,” Coston told WHRO.
A conditional use permit suggested in the letter could give the commission a chance to weigh in on applications and make recommendations to council.
Virginia Beach doesn’t have the large facilities that have developed elsewhere in Virginia. The city has attracted data center-related businesses to Corporate Landing Business Park, including connecting internet providers with subsea cable landings.
The planning department doesn’t have a record of each data center location because they are allowed within industrial zoning districts, according to the city. There are no current applications for new centers.
“I agree with the recommendation from Chair Coston that we should look at how data centers fit into our existing zoning laws and make sure we are able to maintain control,” Councilmember Michael Berlucchi said in an interview.
Councilmember Worth Remick said the city wants to learn more about centers and have control over projects if any are proposed. Requiring a conditional use permit might be a good approach, he said.
“I’m not for allowing data centers of any significant size into Virginia Beach,” he said.
City staff gave the Planning Commission a presentation on centers last month. Commissioner Walter Camp requested it because he didn’t want the city to be caught off guard.
