Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 511: Data centers; industrial zoning.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 511 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 12, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Data centers; industrial zoning. Primary sponsor: John Chilton McAuliff. Most recent recorded action (January 23, 2026): Incorporated by Counties, Cities and Towns (HB153-Thomas) (Voice Vote).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Data centers; industrial zoning. Requires a locality to review and amend its zoning ordinance to (i) designate data centers as industrial uses for zoning purposes; (ii) review the locations of zones allowing data centers by right, and adjust the zoning map, if needed, considering proximity to residential areas; (iii) review the minimum requirements in the zoning ordinance, such as setbacks and building heights, for the purpose of mitigating negative impacts on residential or other sensitive areas and consider adding requirements specific to data centers as needed; (iv) identify optimal areas for data center development in the locality, including locations that are suitable from the locality's perspective as well as the industry's perspective; (v) consider zoning ordinance changes to reduce the likelihood of noisy data centers, including through limiting allowable locations and requiring sound modeling, and prohibit the constant low-frequency noise of data centers from reaching residential areas; and (vi) require commitments from data centers making zoning requests to sufficiently mitigate negative impacts on any nearby residential areas. The provisions of the bill shall apply only to localities where data centers are already addressed in the locality's zoning ordinance or where a locality is revising its zoning ordinance to include data centers. This bill was incorporated into HB 153.
Sponsors
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Chilton McAuliff | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Incorporated by Counties, Cities and Towns (HB153-Thomas) (Voice Vote)
- Subcommittee recommends incorporating (Voice Vote)
- Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #2
- Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102274D