Washington County seeks public input on proposed data center standards
Washington County, Maryland, has enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications while officials develop standards for evaluating future projects. The county is seeking public input, although the moratorium applies only to unincorporated areas and does not prevent municipalities such as Hagerstown from considering development after annexation.
Washington County officials are developing data center standards during a 12-month moratorium approved to study the technology’s land-use implications and establish criteria consistent with county planning goals. County staff have researched potential regulations for review by the Planning Commission, including concerns related to infrastructure, power, water use and noise.
The moratorium took effect immediately and can be modified or extended by a majority vote of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners. It applies only to unincorporated areas because Maryland law gives municipalities planning and zoning authority over annexed land. Hagerstown is scheduled to hold an Oct. 27 hearing on the proposed annexation of the 171.88-acre Martin Farm property, while the local group Hagerstown Rapid Response disputes county officials’ claim that no prior data center discussions have occurred.