Citywide
Chesapeake's data-center rules: adopted changes, ongoing public input
Ordinance adopted; feedback open
The city invites residents to submit its data-center survey by October 30, 2026. An ordinance change has already been adopted, while the wider policy discussion continues.
What has changed
The city's official timeline says Council adopted a modified ordinance on August 18, 2026. Its explanation says data centers now require a conditional use permit except within Coastal Virginia Commerce Park (CoVAC). The city says public utility connections are still required in CoVAC.
On July 21, Council paused data-center applications for eight months and deferred consideration of the policy. The city page distinguishes that policy discussion from the adopted ordinance.
Source: City of Chesapeake: Data Center Ordinance and Policy, survey and adopted ordinance
How to take part
Use the survey linked from the city's page by October 30. The September open houses have passed. The page includes materials on location, scale, sound, utilities and other concerns.
Source: City of Chesapeake: Data Center Ordinance and Policy, survey and adopted ordinance
What to watch next
A future Council decision date has not been verified for this page. Check the city's policy page and subsequent Council agendas for the next dated step.
Source: City of Chesapeake: Data Center Ordinance and Policy, survey and adopted ordinance · City Council agendas and video
Primary sources
Checked October 4, 2026. Records can change after this check.
Update record
- - Checked the official timeline and survey deadline; separated the adopted ordinance from the continuing policy discussion.