At least two supervisors now say that 1,000-foot setbacks for the data center industry are too strict.
Items on the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors’ consent agenda are typically approved in bulk with little or no discussion.
However, item 13 at the recent meeting was pulled by Supervisor Drew Mullins, and the board debated it for over an hour.
The conversation centered on design standards for data centers, particularly the required setbacks from residential property lines, schools, churches, hospitals, daycares, and parks.
The board had voted 7-0 in August to suggest 1,000-foot setbacks from those locations.
Some supervisors may be experiencing “buyer’s remorse,” said Supervisor Lori Hayes of the Lee Hill District.
Author's summary: Supervisors reconsider data center setbacks.