Fairfax County is grappling with an unprecedented data center expansion that threatens to
reshape our community’s character and financial well-being. While the tech industry touts
economic benefits, the realities of unconstrained data center growth present mounting
challenges for residents, from soaring electricity costs to quality-of-life concerns. As neighboring
jurisdictions like Loudoun and Prince William counties struggle with the consequences of rapid
data center development, Fairfax finds itself at a critical juncture where decisions made today
will impact our community for generations to come.
The numbers tell a troubling story about how data centers have infiltrated our residential areas.
According to recent findings, a staggering 55% of Fairfax County’s data centers are located
within 200 feet of residential zones, and 70% lie within 500 feet of homes. This represents the
highest concentration near residential areas in Virginia, far exceeding both Loudoun County,
where only 24% of facilities are within such close proximity, and Prince William County at 21%.
The Plaza 500 project epitomizes this encroachment, with plans for a 466,000-square-foot
facility mere hundreds of feet from homes, playgrounds, and a community center. As resident
Tyler Ray aptly noted, “All that we are asking for is, as the county is trying to bring in this data
center income, that they are doing it in a way that doesn’t run residents away from their homes”
(As Data Centers Proliferate, Conflict with Local Communities Follows, The Associated Press,
2024).
The financial impact on Fairfax residents extends far beyond property values. Virginia’s data
centers currently consume over 25% of all power produced in the state, a figure projected to rise
as high as 46% by 2030 (As Data Centers Proliferate, Conflict with Local Communities Follows,
The Associated Press, 2024). This exponential growth in energy demand will likely increase
system costs for all customers). The JLARC study found that unconstrained data center growth
could drive up power generation and transmission costs by as much as $18 billion by 2040, with
residential customers bearing a significant portion of these costs. For the typical household, this
could mean a 41% increase in monthly power generation and transmission charges by 2040
In response to mounting concerns, Fairfax County has recently implemented stricter zoning
regulations. The September 2024 ordinance requires data centers to maintain a minimum 200-
foot setback from residential properties, with equipment like backup generators mandated at
300 feet (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/board-supervisors-approve-new-data-center-
zoning-ordinance-amendment). The regulations also impose a one-mile minimum distance from
Metro stations and require pre- and post-construction noise. However, many residents argue
these measures are insufficient. Community groups have demanded setbacks of up to 1,000
feet from residences, highlighting the gap between current regulations and community
expectations (Jimmy Henderson / Fairfax County Times, 2024).
The environmental implications of unchecked data center growth are equally concerning. These
facilities place enormous demands on our power infrastructure, with newer AI-focused centers
requiring unprecedented levels of electricity. As Dominion Energy’s Bob Blue revealed, while
traditional data centers typically demand 30 megawatts, new facilities are requesting 60 to 90
megawatts or more. Larger campuses could require several gigawatts of power. This surge in
demand raises serious questions about grid reliability and environmental sustainability. The
massive diesel generators that power these facilities’ backup systems pose additional
environmental concerns, potentially compromising regional air quality.
The path forward requires a delicate balance between economic development and community
protection. While data centers contribute significantly to tax revenue – with Virginia’s existing
facilities generating $1 billion in 2024 – we must question whether these benefits outweigh the
costs to our community’s character and residents’ quality of life. As Kathy Smith, vice chair of
the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, acknowledged, “Data centers are not going away” (As
Data Centers Proliferate, Conflict with Local Communities Follows, The Associated Press,
2024). However, this reality should not preclude us from implementing stronger protections for
our communities.
The Board of Supervisors’ recent push for broader reforms through the 2025 General Assembly
legislative agenda represents a step in the right direction. Their recommendations for increased
oversight of environmental impacts and enhanced local authority to regulate these facilities
acknowledge the regional nature of these challenges. Yet, as demonstrated by the contentious
Plaza 500 project, we must act decisively to prevent our neighborhoods from becoming
cautionary tales of unchecked industrial development.
Rather than simply accepting data center expansion as inevitable, Fairfax should lead the way
in developing comprehensive regulations that truly protect residential communities while
managing growth responsibly. This means implementing stronger setback requirements,
ensuring fair distribution of infrastructure costs, and maintaining the suburban character that has
long defined our community. ​The time for meaningful action is now before more of our
neighborhoods face the prospect of industrial-scale neighbors that operate 24/7 and
fundamentally alter the fabric of our community.​
We would like to hear from our readers about their thoughts on data centers. You can comment
on this article on our website at https://www.tfinews.press/articles/business/the-data-center-
dilemma-jlarc-report/