This page uses extracted PDF text. Text can misread numbers, dates or table columns. Check the PDF before quoting or interpreting it. Redacted areas remain redacted.
Data Centers- Page 2 of 9
•
Local governments would have to require data center developers to provide a site
assessment examining their noise impact on schools and residences located within 500
feet of it.
•
Local governments would clearly have the authority to require data center developer’s
site assessment examine its effects on groundwater, agriculture, parks, historic sites,
and forests or contiguous land on site during zoning reviews.
•
Electric utilities would be required to notify localities if a proposed data center will
require a new substation or high-voltage transmission.
•
The state budget includes a directive to study the impact of sales and use tax exemption for data
centers, which is currently in place until 2035.
Advantages of Data Centers:
•
Enhance data security and control over sensitive municipal information.
•
Support 24/7 operations for emergency services and public utilities.
•
Enable faster access to data and applications for city departments.
•
It can be designed for energy efficiency and disaster resilience.
•
Attract tech-sector investment and job creation if co-located or commercialized.
•
New revenue source for municipal governments.
Disadvantages of Data Centers:
•
High upfront capital and ongoing operational costs.
•
Significant energy consumption and environmental impact.
•
Require specialized staff for maintenance and cybersecurity.
•
Vulnerable to physical risks (e.g., flooding, power outages) without proper safeguards.
•
May face community resistance due to noise, land use, or visual impact.
Localities and Counties in Virginia with Authorized Data Centers:
Virginia is home to many data centers, with the majority located in Northern Virginia. However, data centers
are expanding across the Commonwealth. Localities and counties that currently host or have authorized data
centers include:
Locality
Caroline County
Loudoun County (Ashburn, Sterling,
Leesburg)
Prince William County (Manassas,
Gainesville)
Chesterfield County
Louisa County
Roanoke
Culpeper County
Lynchburg
Spotsylvania County
Fairfax County (Herndon, Chantilly, Vienna)
Mecklenburg County
Stafford County
Fauquier County
Newport News (limited presence,
under consideration)
Suffolk
Fredericksburg
Norfolk
Virginia Beach
Henrico County
Petersburg
York County (policies only)
Jump to an indexed page (10 of 10)