Scope
Code of Virginia section 58.1-3295.3, "Assessment of real property; data centers" (2022 Acts chapters 671 and 672), requires that fixtures installed at a data center and taxed as real property be assessed using the cost approach (reproduction or replacement cost less depreciation). It defines fixtures to include generators, substations, power distribution equipment, batteries, chillers, cooling towers, HVAC, water tanks and piping, and excludes computer equipment and peripherals and security and alarm systems.
- Geographic scope
- Virginia
- Jurisdiction
- State
- Authority type
- Legislature
- Issuing authority
- Virginia General Assembly
Dates
- Adopted
- No adoption day is recorded
- Effective
- Effective date not stated in the source
- Scheduled expiration
- See completion condition
- Ended
- Not recorded as ended
- Completion condition
- The section states no expiration.
- Source document
- The source page states no document date
- Last checked
- 23 September 2026 (earlier than tracker date 5 October 2026; not an automatic status change)
Summary
Virginia law sets how localities value data center fixtures that are taxed as real estate: they must be assessed using the cost approach, meaning the cost to reproduce or replace them less depreciation. The covered fixtures include power, cooling and water equipment such as generators, substations, batteries, chillers and cooling towers; computer equipment is taxed separately as personal property.
What this does not establish
- The Code page cites 2022 chapters 671 and 672 but does not print their approval or effective dates, so none is stored.
- How individual localities apply the cost approach, and resulting assessments, were not examined.
- Budget Item 3-5.18 of the 2026 Special Session I appropriation act restates this rule and is recorded separately.
Unresolved questions
None recorded.
Relationships
Supersession means a later instrument replaces the earlier legal effect. Repeal links identify the repeal instrument and the measure it ends. A later implementation or related letter is not treated as a replacement unless the record says so.
- No related action is recorded.
Sources
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter32/section58.1-3295.3/