‘A modest start’: New Castle County passes zoning rules for regulating massive data centers
News ClipWHYY·New Castle County, DE·3/11/2026
New Castle County, Delaware has passed new zoning regulations for data centers, establishing rules around buffers, noise, and lighting. The regulations were sparked by a proposal for a large data center project from Starwood Digital Ventures, and were debated for several months before being passed. The regulations are not retroactive to cover other projects already in the works.
zoningannouncementgovernment
Gov: New Castle County Council, New Castle County Executive
New Castle County in Delaware has passed new zoning rules to regulate large data centers. The ordinance, sponsored by Councilman David Carter, establishes buffer, noise, and light requirements, though it is not retroactive to cover existing projects. While watered down from earlier versions, Carter said it was a "modest start" to address concerns about the water and electricity usage of these massive facilities. The vote was 12-1, and the ordinance now goes to County Executive Marcus Henry for approval. Supporters say the data centers will bring good union jobs, while detractors worry about their environmental impact.