Charles County Scraps Data Center Zoning Plan, Will Start Over With Task Force
Charles County commissioners have terminated a controversial zoning proposal that would have allowed data centers in the county. The decision came after significant public opposition and concerns about environmental and infrastructure impacts. The county plans to restart the process by forming a data center task force and hiring consultants to study the industry.
Charles County commissioners have unanimously decided to scrap Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-187, a controversial proposal that aimed to open parts of the county to data center development. The decision was reached during a meeting on July 21, following extensive public hearings where residents voiced concerns over water, electricity, noise, and environmental impacts.
Instead of proceeding with the existing amendment or holding further public hearings, the county will now form a data center task force and engage outside consultants to conduct a thorough study of the industry. This new approach seeks to gather expert information on environmental, energy, infrastructure, and economic issues before any new zoning proposal is drafted. Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins emphasized the need for clearer state guidance and the significant impact of residents' voices in the decision-making process.
The termination of the amendment means that Charles County's current zoning rules remain in place, which do not permit data centers. Any future recommendations from the task force and consultants would initiate a new zoning text amendment process, requiring fresh reviews by the Planning Commission and additional public input. The county's decision also aligns with a statewide study mandated by Senate Bill 116, which is reviewing the data center industry's effects on natural resources, energy demand, and economic implications in Maryland.