Chesapeake Moves to Require Permits for Data Centers in Industrial Zones That Abut Residential Areas

Data centers proposed on Chesapeake’s M-1 and M-2 industrial land, including areas adjacent to residential zoning, may require a Conditional Use Permit before construction. City staff presented the proposal to City Council, recommending that data centers in M-1, M-2, and the Fentress Overlay no longer be approved automatically. The proposal includes creating a City Council policy with baseline standards similar to an existing Solar Energy Policy. Currently, data centers can be built by right in multiple zones, including business, office, industrial, and certain overlay districts. The Conditional Use Permit process would add public review in industrial and Fentress Overlay areas where neighborhoods are nearby, including requirements for noise studies, generator screening, limited testing hours, mandatory public outreach, and viewshed analysis.

"Data centers proposed on Chesapeake's M-1 and M-2 industrial land-some of it directly adjacent to residential zoning-may soon require a Conditional Use Permit before construction can begin, giving neighbors and elected officials a formal say in the process."

"City staff presented the proposal to City Council at an April work session, recommending that data centers in M-1, M-2, and the Fentress Overlay no longer be approved automatically. The presentation also called for developing a City Council policy-similar to the city's existing Solar Energy Policy-that would set baseline standards and requirements for all data center projects."

"Right now, data centers can be built by right in a range of zones across Chesapeake, including business, office, and industrial districts, as well as the South Norfolk Business Overlay and the Great Bridge Historic Gateway Overlay. The Conditional Use Permit process would add a public review step specifically in the industrial and Fentress Overlay zones where residential neighborhoods can sit nearby."

"Under the standards outlined in the presentation, any data center seeking a Conditional Use Permit in those zones would face several requirements. A noise study would be required if the site is within 500 feet of homes or schools. Generators would need to be screened from residential areas and public streets, and testing hours would be limited to reduce noise disruption. Public outreach would be mandatory, including two public meetings and notification of every property owner within a half-mile of the project."

Read at SFGATE