Data center issue hot with Worcester moratorium, Wicomico public hearing

Worcester County, Maryland, has placed a one-year temporary moratorium on the submittal and issuance of permits for data centers and cable landing stations, effective July 21. This measure, established by Resolution No. 26-18, aims to provide county staff with sufficient time to develop comprehensive zoning regulations for these emerging land uses. Commissioner President Ted Elder stated the county's intention to proactively evaluate impacts and develop thoughtful regulations to protect the county while setting clear standards for future development. The moratorium affects both pending and future applications, placing existing Board of Zoning Appeals proceedings on hold.

In a related development, the Wicomico County Council will hold a public hearing on August 4 to consider a similar one-year moratorium on data center construction within its jurisdiction. This proposed moratorium, like Worcester County's, seeks to allow officials time to address the placement, construction, and operation of data centers through comprehensive legislation.

During the temporary moratorium period, the Wicomico County Department of Planning, Zoning and Community Development would not accept, process, review, or approve applications for preliminary plans of subdivision and detailed site plans proposing data center use. The broader issue of data center development is noted as a significant concern across the United States, with both Worcester and Wicomico counties actively responding to the trend on the Lower Shore.