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DPA2026-00006: Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District (DCOZOD)
On March 3, 2026, the Board of County Supervisors approved with RES #26-125 the initiation of a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to revise the regulations governing data center uses within the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District (DCOZOD) and related sections. The proposed amendment includes updates to uses permitted by-right and by Special Use Permit, as well as revisions to the Overlay boundary based on the updated policy direction and regulatory framework established through the ZTA.
The ZTA restructures how data centers may be approved in Prince William County. The primary purpose of the amendment is to reduce and redefine the boundaries of the overlay district, limiting it to parcels that meet one or more of five County-defined eligibility pathways. Through this approach, the County seeks to avoid the creation of widespread nonconforming uses while preventing any future expansion of the Overlay.
With the adoption of the revised boundary, the Overlay is closed to any future expansion; however, parcels that remain inside the Overlay and meet one or more of the eligibility pathways in Sec. 32 509.03(2) may continue to exercise existing by-right data center development permissions. Outside the Overlay, the M-2 (Light Industrial) zoning district becomes the primary pathway for new data center proposals, and such proposals must proceed through the Special Use Permit (SUP) process. This proposed change restructures the data center approval pathway, as well as the intent and function of the Overlay boundary.
The Planning Office presented to DORAC the linked presentation. DORAC has yet to vote on the ZTA.
Questions or Comments?
- Email: [email protected]
- Submit the Planning Comment Form
Please note that under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, comments, including any personally identifiable information that is included in the comments, are subject to public inspection.
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