Calvert County Planning Commission Weighs Concerns, Offers Praise On Data Center Amendments

The Calvert County Planning Commission convened on March 18 in Prince Frederick, Maryland, to review the newest iteration of data center text amendments. These proposed ordinances, developed by the Department of Planning and Zoning at the behest of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), aim to establish conditions for data center development across three phases: pre-construction permitting, during construction, and post-completion operation. The amendments specifically address critical concerns such as water usage and noise pollution. Director of Planning and Zoning Jason Brinkley clarified that his team drew inspiration from existing ordinances in other regions, particularly Northern Virginia, and confirmed that the requirements were not influenced by potential data center developers. Commission members offered mixed feedback, commending the Department of Planning and Zoning for its thorough environmental protection efforts, which they noted surpassed those in other areas with similar ordinances. However, some commissioners voiced reservations about the general lack of research into the broader impact of data centers, likening the process to "putting the cart before the horse."