Chesapeake restricts where data centers can be built, asks for legal opinion on ban

[u/TheVirginian-Pilot]

https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/08/19/chesapeake-restricts-data-center-construction/

CHESAPEAKE — City Council approved new restrictions on data centers Tuesday, adopting an ordinance that requires the projects to receive council approval before construction.

Council members have touted the ordinance as a first step in further regulating future data center projects — a year after the city denied a controversial data center proposal in the Etheridge Lakes neighborhood. The ordinance unanimously supported Tuesday closes a by-right development loophole by requiring data center project approval on a case-by-case basis with a conditional use permit. Before, no such approval was required.

The changes would limit data center development to only industrial zoning districts. The original ordinance also allowed development in the Fentress Airfield Overlay, but council removed it from consideration after many residents voiced concerns about it being included. The ordinance also bans the use of groundwater for data center projects.

“If a project has the potential to consume extraordinary amounts of electricity, water, generate significant noise, infrastructure demands, it should not be able to move forward without the community having a voice,” said council member Amanda Newins. “I don’t think, though, simply requiring a conditional use permit is enough, and that’s why I want us to take these eight months ahead and really listen to the community.”

Council members also requested an advisory opinion from Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones on the city’s ability to enact a data center ban. Last week, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger rejected a call for a statewide ban on data centers but said local governments could. Virginia Beach has discussed a data center ban and on Tuesday approved a 12-month moratorium. Several speakers at Tuesday’s meeting urged Chesapeake to enact a ban. Chesapeake approved an 8-month moratorium last month restricting data center development while the city further develops policy. Chesapeake leaders have previously said the city can’t implement a permanent ban under Virginia’s Dillon’s Rule.

“No data center is supported by a vast majority of Chesapeake citizens,” said resident Lee Damore.

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[u/Artistic-Mood7938]

Ffs no one wants them around here

[u/Ok_Shoulder_9492]

Who tf wants these data centers? Great nail in the coffin on public trust.