Town Council Makes Prohibition on Data Centers Effective with Unanimous Vote

A journey for the Town of Front Royal and its citizens concluded on October 26, when the council met for its regular monthly meeting. In a unanimous vote, reflecting a June 22 meeting in which the council directed the commission to develop prohibition language against data centers, the council made the prohibition effective. With a few minor tweaks, dropping some regulatory language that could be arbitrary, the council adopted an ordinance amendment that targets “data center” as a use and distinguishes it from “technology business”. This development follows more than a year of evolving approaches and reconsideration at the commission and council levels, as a special-use permitting framework to map the arrival of a data center was abandoned in favor of a prohibition.

The Town Council met for its regular monthly meeting at an alternate location on October 26. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

The mayor and council reiterated how important it is to receive public input. As Councilman Glenn Wood remarked, the public made its desire very clear: data centers are not welcome. In the early hours of the morning, at the meeting that began on June 22, more than 100 citizens voiced their reasons for opposing the arrival of a data center. Demand for utilities was foremost among arguments that ranged from noise pollution to the destruction of the viewshed. At the October 26 meeting, the crowd was small, and nobody spoke at the public hearing for or against data centers, perhaps because most who have turned out in the past felt heard and confident in the outcome. If so, they could not have been more right. The council voted in a way that honored the desire expressed by most who have spoken at past meetings.

Attorney David Downes led the way as multiple affected parties spoke against a potential reconfiguration of parking on Peyton Street.

Other items that evening included an amendment to move outstanding purchase orders to the 2027 fiscal year, several concerns related to a Riverton Sewer Lift Station project, and a short-term rental. In the report of the town manager, Joseph Petty mentioned the voluntary water conservation that has been lifted but requested that citizens still be mindful of how much water they use, to offset the possibility that conservation might once again be necessary. He also confirmed that the council will not convene a work session on November 2 and, in closing, remarked on the beginning of leaf season, thanking Town staff for everything they do to make the season go as smoothly as possible. After council members’ reports, the mayor’s report, the passing of the consent agenda, and the transaction of two items of business, the council transitioned to a closed meeting.

Watch the Front Royal Town Council Meeting of October 26, 2026.