Fairfax County, VA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Zoning Ord. 4102.6.A
- Building Setback
- 200 ft from residential
- Generators/Equipment
- 300 ft from residential
- Metro Distance
- 1 mile from station
- By-Right Cap
- 40,000 SF C-3/C-4; 80,000 SF I-2-I-4
Summary
Fairfax County allows data centers by right up to 40,000 square feet in C-3 and C-4 districts and 80,000 square feet in I-2 through I-4; larger buildings need a special exception. Buildings must sit 200 feet from residential lot lines and one mile from Metro.
Any data center building must be located at least 200 feet from the lot line of an R district or a property developed with a residential use. ... If located on the ground, any equipment for cooling, ventilating, or otherwise operating the facility, including any power generator or other power supply equipment, must be ... located at least 300 feet from the lot line of an R district or a property developed with a residential use ... A data center building must be located at least one mile from a Metro station entrance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
Zoning Ordinance subsection 4102.6.A, adopted by Ord. 112.2-2024-8 (effective September 11, 2024), sets the use standards. A data center building must sit at least 200 feet from the lot line of an R district or residentially used property, and one mile from a Metro station entrance. Ground cooling equipment and generators must be 300 feet away or shielded by the main building. By-right size caps are 40,000 square feet in C-3 and C-4 and 80,000 square feet in I-2 through I-4; the heaviest I-5 and I-6 districts have no cap. Exceeding any standard requires special exception approval. By-right buildings also need a main entrance feature, facade variation every 150 feet, and 30 percent fenestration.
Violations & Fines
A data center that fails these standards cannot proceed by right and must obtain a special exception from the Board of Supervisors. Building without required approvals is a zoning violation enforced by the Department of Code Compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a data center be built next to homes in Fairfax County?
Do data centers need special approval in Fairfax County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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