City acts now to prepare zoning for possible data center projects
Hampton officials have taken a measured step toward potentially allowing data centers within city limits by contracting a research firm to help write zoning language, while emphasizing that no decisions have been made about welcoming such facilities.
Under a roughly $52,000 agreement signed earlier this year, the city has engaged the Southeastern Institute of Research to serve as a consultant for drafting zoning policy that would govern data center development. The move follows a recent council tour of two data centers in Prince William County and comes amid sharply differing views about what the facilities would mean for local communities.
"I don’t think we’re there yet," Mayor Jimmy Gray said, signaling that Hampton is still in an exploratory phase.
City Manager Mary Bunting told the council the city has not received any proposals to build a data center, and current zoning code neither addresses nor forbids them. Bunting framed the contract as a form of preemptive planning: the city wants clear rules in place so developers cannot later press for exceptions that might disadvantage the community.
Energy, water and community concerns shape the discussion
Consultant Ried Watkins, a senior director with Southeastern Institute of Research, highlighted findings from a state-level study showing that unconstrained energy demand could raise Virginia's energy use by 183% by 2040 if driven largely by data centers; by contrast, energy use would rise about 15% without additional centers. Watkins also noted national public sentiment: about three-quarters of Americans reportedly oppose data centers locating in their communities, citing noise and water concerns.
At the same time, Watkins sought to differentiate scale. He said potential harms from smaller data centers — the kind Hampton might realistically consider given available land — are likely to be limited, and he emphasized local business calls for greater electronic bandwidth.
- Hampton’s current zoning code: no specific provisions for data centers
- Contract value: $52,000 to Southeastern Institute of Research
- City stance: exploratory, no active proposals received
What Hampton residents should expect next
Choosing to develop zoning language does not equate to approval for data center construction. The city is preparing standards now so future requests — should they arrive — are evaluated against clear, locally crafted rules rather than ad hoc negotiations.
That approach reflects a broader trend across Virginia: localities facing rapid demand for data infrastructure are balancing economic and technological benefits against energy, water and community impacts. For Hampton, the questions will include how to limit noise, protect water resources, ensure reliable power without shifting costs to residents, and define allowable sizes and locations for any facilities.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Consultant | Southeastern Institute of Research |
| Contract amount | $52,000 |
| Current zoning status | No specific provisions; no prohibitions |
| City proposals to date | None received |
Council members and staff will likely return to the topic as the consultant produces recommendations. For residents, the near-term impact will be public meetings and draft zoning language to review — not immediate construction activity. The city’s next steps will shape whether Hampton becomes an active participant in the region’s data center growth or opts for tighter restrictions that reflect community concerns.
