Montgomery County considers longer pause on new data center projects
The Montgomery County Council is preparing to vote on extending a pause on new data center development for 18 months. This extension would allow county leaders to develop comprehensive long-term regulations concerning zoning and land use. Currently, Montgomery County operates under a six-month moratorium enacted by County Executive Marc Elrich, and neighboring Prince George's County recently approved its own two-year pause on hyperscale data center projects.
The Montgomery County Council is scheduled to vote on a proposal to extend a pause on new data center development.
The proposed legislation seeks to halt the processing of all data center-related permits for an additional 18 months. This extended moratorium would provide county leaders with the necessary time to establish long-term rules and regulations covering zoning, land use, and other aspects of data center projects within the county.
Currently, Montgomery County is operating under an initial six-month moratorium, which was previously ordered by County Executive Marc Elrich. This move follows similar actions by neighboring jurisdictions, as Prince George's County recently approved its own two-year pause on new hyperscale data center projects while it develops new policies.