Planning director proposes retreat dates and a draft data‑center ordinance; commission picks Sept. 8 work session

Community Development Director Amy Ring presented possible dates for the commission's fall retreat and offered a draft 'straw man' data center ordinance as a starting point for discussion. The draft pulls language from neighboring localities (Chesapeake, York County, Fairfax) and addresses definitions, application requirements and development standards including noise (DBA/DBC), steady tonal noise, water usage for cooling, setbacks and emergency response planning.

Commissioners discussed whether a moratorium or hold on new data‑center applications would be appropriate while rules are being written, noted Chesapeake's recent work as a model and agreed to a work session on Sept. 8 to review the draft ordinance. Ring said there are inquiries but no current data‑center applications pending. She recommended the conservative approach on standards to ensure robust review criteria.