(The Center Square) – Stafford County supervisors on Thursday approved a two-building data center campus and electrical substation on separate 4-3 votes, allowing reduced setbacks from residential property lines.

The decision allows Falmouth Tech LLC to move forward with the Accokeek Center project on about 121 acres between Interstate 95 and Richmond Highway in the Falmouth District. Additional site plan and utility approvals are required before the campus can operate.

The company plans up to 590,000 square feet of data center buildings. Supervisors rezoned eight parcels from agricultural, rural residential and office zoning to heavy industrial and approved a separate conditional use permit for the substation.

The project’s setback modifications reduce the county’s 750-foot residential standard to 550 feet along several boundaries and 399 feet beside a parcel the developer said would be barred from development through a restrictive covenant.

Charlie Payne, the attorney representing Falmouth Tech, said buffers, tree preservation and noise controls would mitigate effects on neighboring properties.

Residents questioned the reduced setbacks, the unresolved transmission route and potential effects on Accokeek Creek and nearby homes. Labor representatives emphasized construction jobs and opportunities for residents to work closer to home.

Payne projected about $13.5 million in annual county tax revenue. When asked whether the estimate accounted for incentive payments, he acknowledged it was gross revenue.

Supervisor Crystal Vanuch, who represents the Rock Hill District, sought to postpone action until Oct. 20 to obtain revenue estimates accounting for incentives. Her motion failed.

The county’s meeting packet lists $6.4 million in cash proffers, the developer’s commitments tied to the rezoning. The contributions support would support things such as courthouse improvements, technology infrastructure, the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail, fire and rescue facilities, career and technical education facilities, and transportation improvements.

Those contributions are due before the first data center building receives its certificate of occupancy.

The proffers also call for at least 40% open space, at least 45 acres of tree preservation and Tier IV generators. They prohibit groundwater for data center operations and public or private potable water for industrial cooling.

Before site plan approval, the developer must provide written verification from the electrical utility identifying the expected timeline for power service. Reclaimed-water cooling would require a water services agreement with the county.

Before the vote, Payne agreed to add a commitment to use qualified local contractors where possible and revise protections for private wells affected by the project.