The City of Chesapeake is considering a proposed Data Center Ordinance and Policy that would establish how future large-scale data center projects are reviewed and evaluated.
Whether you support or oppose large-scale data centers, this is an opportunity to learn about the proposal and share your perspective with City leaders before important decisions are made.
⏰ Public comments are being accepted through 4:00 PM on July 8th!
What’s Happening Right Now
The proposal would change how future large-scale data centers are reviewed in Chesapeake.
Today, data centers are generally permitted by-right in several business, industrial, office, and institutional zoning districts.
If adopted, the ordinance would instead require future large-scale data centers to obtain a Conditional Use Permit, allowing City leaders to evaluate proposals on a case-by-case basis using standards outlined in the accompanying policy, including:
- Land use compatibility
- Infrastructure capacity
- Utilities
- Environmental impacts
- Public safety
- Community impacts
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on July 8, 2026, where commissioners will receive public comment and consider whether to recommend adoption of the ordinance and policy
If recommended, the proposal will then advance to Chesapeake City Council for final consideration at a future public meeting.
Why This Decision Matters
This ordinance isn't approving a specific data center.
Instead, it will establish the framework the City uses when evaluating future data center proposals.
For residents, that makes this one of the most important opportunities to influence how Chesapeake approaches this rapidly growing industry.
The ordinance and policy were developed after City Council directed staff to create a framework for reviewing future data center proposals as interest in these facilities has grown.
Residents have raised questions about whether large-scale data centers are the right fit for Chesapeake and how future projects could affect:
- Long-term economic development
- Taxpayer-funded infrastructure
- Electricity and water demand
- Natural resources
- Neighborhood character
- Transparency and public accountability
The decisions made today could shape Chesapeake's growth for decades.
What We’re Asking City Leaders to Do
We are asking City leaders to carefully consider whether large-scale data centers align with Chesapeake's long-term vision before creating a pathway for future development. If the City chooses to move forward with a regulatory framework, we encourage leaders to strengthen the proposed ordinance and policy with clear, enforceable standards that protect residents, public resources, natural resources, and Chesapeake's long-term interests.
Our questions include:
- Is this the best long-term use of Chesapeake's limited industrial land?
- Can existing infrastructure and utilities support future projects without increasing costs for residents?
- How will future projects affect water resources, wetlands, and environmentally sensitive areas?
- Should the cumulative impacts of multiple data centers be evaluated before additional facilities are approved?
- How can the City ensure future decisions remain transparent and include meaningful public participation?
Why Your Voice Matters Right Now
The Planning Commission is accepting public comments through 4:00 PM on July 8 before making its recommendation to City Council.
This is your opportunity to help shape how—or whether—large-scale data centers become part of Chesapeake's future.
Choose the message that best reflects your perspective and send your comments in just a few clicks.
Take Action Now (In 2 Minutes or Less)
👇Choose a message and send a comment to City leaders before 4:00 PM on July 8th.
Your voice matters!
Want to learn more?
We encourage residents to review source materials directly and form their own conclusions.
- City of Chesapeake Data Center Ordinance & Policy Information Page- The City's official project page describing the proposed Data Center Ordinance and Policy, the public review process, meeting information, and opportunities to submit comments before the Planning Commission hearing.
- Draft Data Center Ordinance (June 17, 2026)- The proposed zoning ordinance that would require future large-scale data centers to obtain a Conditional Use Permit and establish how they are regulated under the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance.
- Draft Data Center Policy (June 17, 2026) - The proposed policy outlining the factors City leaders would use when evaluating future data center applications, including land use compatibility, infrastructure, utilities, environmental considerations, public safety, and community impacts.