Worcester Enacts Moratorium on Data Centers, Cable Landing Stations
Worcester County, MD, Commissioners have enacted a 12-month moratorium on permits for data centers and cable landing stations. This pause allows county staff to develop comprehensive zoning regulations for these emerging land uses. The resolution also temporarily halts Board of Zoning Appeals proceedings related to such facilities.
Worcester County, Maryland, Commissioners unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on permits for data centers and cable landing stations, effective July 21. Resolution No. 26-18 halts the submittal and issuance of new permits, as well as all related Board of Zoning Appeals proceedings, to allow county staff time to develop comprehensive zoning regulations. Commissioner President Ted Elder stated the county aims to proactively establish clear standards that protect Worcester County while guiding future development.
The moratorium affects both pending and future applications. Among the projects impacted is a proposed cable landing station in Berlin by Virginia Beach-based developer Globalinx, which had faced public opposition due to its proximity to a historic cemetery.
This action follows similar considerations in other Eastern Shore counties. Just a week prior, the Caroline County Board of Commissioners also moved to explore a moratorium, citing the need for more time to review proposals and understand the impacts of data centers on the electrical grid, water consumption, noise, environmental concerns, and infrastructure capacity. Caroline County commissioners emphasized the importance of establishing clear zoning regulations before applications are submitted and are researching regulatory options including zoning amendments and a temporary moratorium.