Virginia is the data center capital of the world, and localities are scrambling to regulate them. In early April, York County’s Planning Commission unanimously advanced zoning amendments to its Board of Supervisors, where a final decision is still pending. Comparing York’s proposal to James City County’s existing rules highlights sharply different approaches: James City emphasizes stricter setbacks, infrastructure proximity requirements, and physical containment of equipment, while York leans toward public oversight mechanisms, requiring Board of Supervisors approval before facilities can expand their utility usage. Both counties are watching Loudoun County, the world’s largest data center hub, as a cautionary tale of what unchecked development can look like.
A Williamsburg Independent editor used AI tools to summarize original reporting and generate the narration.
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