Front Royal Development News

Front Royal Town Council Denies Data Center Zoning Amendments, Directs Prohibition

The Town Council of Front Royal conducted a public hearing regarding proposed zoning text amendments to town code 175-3 (Definitions) and 175-64 (Industrial Employment District I-2) to define data centers and add them as a special use permit in the I-2 district. Following extensive public testimony, the council voted to deny the proposed text amendments. Instead, they directed staff and the Planning Commission to prepare a new amendment within 60 days that would define data centers and prohibit them in all zoning districts. This decision was made due to concerns about infrastructure, utilities, environmental impacts, fiscal considerations, and the overall character of the town, citing Virginia Code Section 15.2-2280. A temporary moratorium on data center applications was also established. 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