What’s On the Agenda? Stafford’s Board of Supervisors Meets Today, Feb. 18

Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.

Here’s a sample of what’s on the agenda today:

Bylaws Change for Board Appointments 

The board will review proposed changes to the bylaws to formalize the appointment and removal process of members on Boards, Authorities, Committees, and Commissions (BACC). The proposed changes follow the recent controversial removal of a library board member and the board’s subsequent censure of Supervisor Monica Gary.

Data Centers

There are currently several data center rezoning applications for centers throughout Stafford. A few are listed below:

• Potomac Creek Campus: Falmouth District, near Potomac Creek Drive, south of Eskimo Hill Road
• Accocreek Center: Falmouth District, near Richmond Highway and Eskimo Hill Road
• GWV Data Center: Hartwood District, Ramoth Church Road across from Centreport Parkway
• Austin Ridge Logistics: Hartwood District, Cedar Lane near Courthouse Road
• Enon Road Tech: Hartwood District, Enon Road near Wyatt Lane
• Cranes Corner: Falmouth District, Richmond Highway near Centreport Parkway

In 2023, the Board amended the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan to define data centers, establish development standards, and specify permitted zoning districts. Data centers were allowed by-right in the M-2 zoning district and the ICTP overlay district.

Now, the Board is considering a new amendment requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for data centers in the M-2 district instead of allowing them by-right. CUPs allow for case-by-case review to assess factors such as traffic, environmental impact, noise, and infrastructure needs.

A new ordinance amendment (O25-08) has been proposed, and the Board has referred it to the Planning Commission. A joint public hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2025, to discuss the changes. Data centers would still be permitted by-right in the ICTP district, though no parcels currently have this designation.

Fredericksburg recently gathered attention for an aggressive timeline in pursuing data center development in the city.

Wetlands Board

Resolution R25-49 proposes restructuring the Wetlands Board/Coastal Primary Sand Dunes Board and Chesapeake Bay Board to include seven members with election district designations and up to three alternates. The resolution also establishes staggered initial terms, with subsequent terms set at five years. This change aligns with state law, which requires the county to maintain these boards for regulatory oversight. The Wetlands Board also serves as the Coastal Primary Sand Dunes Board, and its members make up the Chesapeake Bay Board. The modifications aim to ensure compliance with state membership and term-staggering requirements.

Lake Carroll Dam Update

Due to lack of maintenance over the last 20 years, the Kennedy Dam at Lake Carroll is in need of maintenance before regulatory improvements can be done. Legislation was passed 10 years ago that required modification to many dams throughout the state. The board previously approved a loan that was designated towards regulatory improvements and did not include the maintenance needs.

The project also faces constraints on when trees can be cleared due to regulations around an endangered long-eared bat which resides in the area. Trees can only be cleared between November and April, which will create additional hurdles with construction bids and the duration of the work. There is also concern that the project will exceed the funds available if there are any delays or unexpected developments.

Campgrounds

Currently, campgrounds are permitted by-right in the A-1, Agricultural zoning district on at least 10 acres, with no special county regulations. However, state regulations govern campgrounds through the Virginia Department of Health, covering permits, density, utilities, and construction standards.

Staff reviewed campground regulations in other localities and found that most require a special exception or use permit. Only Fauquier County has adopted specific campground regulations. A regional analysis was conducted to assess campground facilities, amenities, and potential impacts.

Based on this analysis, staff recommends requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for campgrounds in the A-1 district, updating campground-related definitions in the Zoning Ordinance, and considering whether to allow campgrounds as a CUP use in other zoning districts. A draft ordinance amendment (O25-07) has been prepared for review.

The proposed Belle Plains Campground generated significant opposition from neighbors, but was allowed by right.