As highlighted in McGuireWoods’ May 10, 2023, alert, Fairfax County is undertaking a review of its data center regulations. On July 18, 2023, the Fairfax County Land Use Policy Committee added data centers to the FY 2024 Zoning Ordinance Work Program.

Planning staff will prepare a report with findings and recommendations regarding any potential environmental issues, mitigation and industry advances, and locational guidelines and potential approval processes for the new location of data centers. The recommendations will be brought forward for a discussion at a future board committee meeting by December 2023.