York County Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting October 1, 2026

The York County Planning & Zoning Committee met October 1, 2026, to review the county’s proposed procurement of an independent, multidisciplinary consulting team to study data-center impacts and inform future zoning and policy decisions. Staff described a near-final RFP working draft covering energy and grid capacity and electric rates, water and environmental effects, construction and nighttime noise, property values, and cumulative effects on roads and other infrastructure. A comparable Fairfax County study cost $185,000 in 2023–24; York County staff estimated this broader study could exceed $200,000. The expense has not yet been authorized, and staff said it may need to come from fund balance after proposals are received and the budget impact is reviewed. The committee supported moving the RFP forward and adding a community engagement meeting before or near consultant kickoff; the transcript indicates the action passed, but the motion and vote are garbled. The study is expected to extend into fall 2027, potentially requiring an extension of the moratorium, which staff said county council can make by resolution.

The committee also reviewed draft data-center ordinance provisions, including prohibiting on-site power generation and groundwater use, restoring the industrial height limit to 60 feet, requiring decommissioning plans, and requiring utility willingness-and-capability letters for power, water, and sewer. Members discussed current QTS-site noise complaints and community communications, but no related purchase or contract action was identified. The committee separately approved the May 26 meeting minutes.