Prince William County’s proposed overhaul of its data center zoning rules reaches the Planning Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with commissioners expected to consider whether to recommend the changes to the Board of County Supervisors.
The proposal would reduce the county’s Data Center Opportunity Zone by about 62%, from roughly 9,698 acres to about 3,654 acres, while changing how many future data center projects are reviewed.
2-MINUTE BRIEF
WHAT’S HAPPENING: The Prince William County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday night on proposed changes to the county’s Data Center Opportunity Zone.
WHAT WOULD CHANGE: The overlay would shrink by about 62%, leaving roughly 3,654 acres and about 237 qualifying parcels.
WHY IT MATTERS: Properties that remain inside the revised overlay and meet the county’s eligibility requirements could retain by-right data center development permissions. New data center proposals outside the overlay in qualifying zoning districts would instead go through the Special Use Permit process.
WHAT TO WATCH: Commissioners can recommend approval, denial or changes before the proposal moves to the Board of County Supervisors.
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Board Chambers at the James J. McCoart Administration Building, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge.
What the Planning Commission Is Considering
The countywide amendment would significantly reduce the area where data centers can qualify for by-right development.
Under the proposal, approximately 237 parcels totaling about 3,654 acres would remain in the Data Center Opportunity Zone. The current overlay contains about 9,698 acres, meaning roughly 6,044 acres would be removed.
The Manassas Journal previously reported on the proposed 62% reduction when county staff released the revised map and eligibility framework. Wednesday’s hearing is the next step in that process.
What Happens Outside the New Overlay
The proposed amendment changes the approval path for future projects outside the revised overlay.
New data center proposals in several business, office and industrial zoning districts would have to proceed through the Special Use Permit process rather than relying on by-right development within the overlay.
The proposal would also close the revised Data Center Opportunity Zone to future expansion.
Existing and Pending Projects
The proposal includes eligibility pathways intended to address projects and properties that are already further along in the development process.
Those pathways include certain approved proffers, preliminary or final plans, zoning determinations and qualifying applications already moving through county review.
The amendment also includes a 90-day transition period for certain applications after adoption.
The Planning Commission may consider those transition provisions along with the proposed map and eligibility rules before making its recommendation.
What Happens Wednesday
The Planning Commission is not making the final decision.
Commissioners will hold a public hearing, consider the amendment and are anticipated to vote on a recommendation to the Board of County Supervisors. The Board would make the final decision on whether to adopt the revised overlay and zoning rules.
What Is a Data Center?
A data center is a secure facility containing computer equipment used to store, process and move digital information.
The facilities require reliable electricity, cooling systems and high-capacity fiber-optic connections.
Northern Virginia has become a major data center market because of its extensive fiber network, electrical infrastructure, available land, major technology customers and established data center industry.
Those same conditions have helped attract data center development in Prince William County and the Manassas area.
For readers looking for the broader picture, the Manassas Journal previously examined why the Manassas area has become part of Northern Virginia’s technology and data center corridor, including the role of fiber, electricity, zoning and nearby technology development.
Meeting Information
Prince William County Planning Commission
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
7 p.m.
James J. McCoart Administration Building, Board Chambers
1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Official Sources
Prince William County Planning Office: Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District amendment
Prince William County staff report for DPA2026-00006
Prince William County Planning Commission
