Chesapeake City Council is taking the first step toward creating a formal policy governing where data centers can be built in the city — a move that comes after a proposal last year to build one next to a neighborhood in Great Bridge drew strong opposition from residents.
On Chesapeake City Council’s May 12, 2026 agenda, there is an initiating resolution directing the Planning Commission to consider and make recommendations on proposed amendments to the Chesapeake Comprehensive Plan. Those amendments would incorporate a written policy governing the development and operation of data centers in the city.
According to Planning Director Jimmy McNamara, the policy will provide a framework for evaluating data center proposals on a site-by-site basis, consistent with City Council’s priorities. While the city’s Zoning Ordinance will establish baseline requirements for data centers, the comprehensive plan policy is intended to guide staff in assessing individual requests. The resolution was discussed at an April 21, 2026, City Council work session before being brought forward for adoption…