Northern Virginia is now the primary location of the data center industry. These facilities are essential to the way in which we conduct business, learn and live our lives. They are also a source of employment and tax revenue. While for these reasons MCA does not oppose data centers, per se, it believes that, without additional regulations, they can be harmful to the environment and to the character of our communities.
In its letter addressing the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment on data centers scheduled for public hearing before the Planning Commission on June 5, 2024, MCA detailed its support for the Board of Supervisors' efforts to strengthen the current regulations concerning data centers, highlighting the following points:
--Data centers explicitly should not be permitted in Planned Residential Community
Districts.
--The standard setback for data centers from residential areas should be at least 250 feet,
with consideration given for the impact on residential areas.
--The distance from Metro stations should be set to protect the integrity of residential
areas.
--Staff proposals that greater size should be allowed when data centers are located in
existing buildings should not be included in the Zoning Ordinance. Repurposing should
not be used as a justification for larger centers.
The MCA letter identified other concerns that cannot be remedied in a zoning ordinance amendment:
- Increased electricity demand
- Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)
- Water Quality
The letter urges the County to address these issues to the extent possible through the Countywide Policy Plan amendment to the Comprehensive Plan that is getting underway. The letter acknowledges that some issues related to data centers will need to be addressed at the state level and urges the Board to request that our representatives in Richmond support bills that will address them.
The full draft of MCA's letter is available here.