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Goochland County Unveils Technology Overlay District to Spark Tech Growth

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 7:47 GMT by wtvr
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Goochland County Approves Technology Overlay District to Drive Innovation and Growth

On November 6, 2025, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting to discuss a forward‑looking initiative that could reshape the county’s economic landscape: the establishment of a Technology Overlay District (TOD). The motion, which passed by a unanimous vote, formally designates a 140‑acre portion of the county’s existing business park as a technology hub, providing developers with a suite of zoning flexibilities and incentives tailored to attract high‑growth tech firms, research centers, and modern workforce solutions.

What a Technology Overlay District Means for Goochland

The concept of a TOD in Virginia is relatively new, but it has proven effective in other regions for stimulating technology‑driven job creation and diversifying local economies. In Goochland’s case, the overlay district will allow mixed‑use developments that combine office, laboratory, and light‑industrial space—something that traditional zoning categories would normally prohibit. Additionally, the TOD grants:

• Reduced minimum lot sizes for office developments, enabling more compact, high‑density office parks.
• Flexibility in building height up to 30 feet (9 m) in designated zones, supporting multi‑story data centers and modern headquarters.
• Permitted use of “smart” infrastructure, such as fiber‑optic networks and green‑energy systems, as part of the development plan.

County officials highlighted that these changes are designed to lower the entry barrier for startups and established tech firms alike, offering a streamlined path to building state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

Incentives and Support for Businesses

To make the TOD attractive, Goochland County has lined up a package of incentives that leverages both county resources and partnerships with state agencies. According to the county’s official planning document—available on the Goochland Economic Development Office’s website—the incentives include:

• Property tax abatements for the first five years of operation, followed by a reduced tax rate for the next 15 years.
• Infrastructure credits for on‑site utility upgrades, such as high‑capacity electrical lines and high‑speed broadband.
• Grant assistance for the acquisition of building permits and environmental assessments, in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
• Access to a dedicated “Tech Incubator” fund, administered by the county’s Economic Development Office, which offers seed‑level financing to early‑stage companies that commit to creating at least 10 local jobs.

The county’s Board of Supervisors also noted that the TOD is designed to be re‑evaluated every five years. This approach ensures that the district’s policies remain aligned with the evolving needs of the technology sector and the county’s economic priorities.

Community Impact and Economic Outlook

In a public comment session, local residents and business leaders expressed optimism about the potential benefits. One community organizer remarked, “We’ve seen how a tech presence can bring new jobs and high‑wage opportunities, and we’re excited to be part of that momentum.” Meanwhile, the Goochland Chamber of Commerce’s president emphasized that the TOD would diversify the county’s traditionally agriculture‑based economy.

Economic analysts project that the TOD could generate up to 300 new jobs over the next decade, ranging from software engineers and data scientists to support staff and logistics personnel. Moreover, preliminary cost‑benefit studies suggest a net increase in county revenues of $5 million annually by year ten, after factoring in property taxes and business licensing fees.

The Role of Local Partnerships

The development of the TOD would not be possible without collaboration among multiple stakeholders. Goochland County reached out to the Virginia Technology Development Council (VTDC) for technical guidance on zoning flexibilities and to secure access to state‑level funding streams. The VTDC’s portal, linked within the article, offers a downloadable “Technical Guide to Establishing a Technology Overlay District,” which explains the legal framework and provides templates for the necessary county ordinances.

Additionally, the county’s economic development website hosts a dedicated page for the TOD, featuring a map that outlines the district’s boundaries, a list of approved projects, and a FAQ section that addresses common concerns from prospective developers. The map shows that the district encompasses the northern quadrant of the Goochland Business Park, a strategic location adjacent to the I‑64 corridor, which offers seamless connectivity to Richmond and Charlottesville.

Next Steps and Implementation Timeline

Following the Board’s approval, Goochland County’s Planning Department will move forward with drafting the formal ordinances that implement the TOD. The proposed timeline includes:

• January 2026 – Finalization of zoning amendments and public release for comment.
• March 2026 – Adoption of the ordinances by the Board of Supervisors.
• April 2026 – Official launch of the TOD, with a welcome ceremony and press coverage.
• May 2026 onward – Ongoing engagement with developers, monitoring of project progress, and adjustments as needed.

County officials stressed the importance of a coordinated rollout. “We want to ensure that every stakeholder—from developers to residents—understands how this district works and how it can benefit us all,” said County Commissioner Maria Lopez, who spearheaded the initiative.

Conclusion

The introduction of a Technology Overlay District marks a significant milestone for Goochland County. By offering tailored zoning flexibilities and financial incentives, the county is positioning itself as a competitive destination for technology firms, research institutions, and modern work‑force solutions. As the district moves from planning to implementation, the community can anticipate a new era of innovation, job creation, and economic diversification—an exciting chapter that promises to reshape the county’s future while preserving the unique character that defines Goochland.