Montgomery County Council to Review Data Center Moratorium Bills
Montgomery County Council committees are reviewing two proposed bills that would establish temporary moratoriums on data center permits. Additionally, a zoning text amendment is being considered to define data centers, restrict their locations, and set minimum standards across the county. These actions aim to limit data center development while the county studies and adopts new regulations.
Montgomery County Council committees are scheduled to review two distinct legislative efforts on July 22, aimed at regulating data center development within the county. The Economic Development Committee will consider two expedited bills proposing temporary moratoriums on data center permits.
Expedited Bill 19-26, sponsored by Councilmember Evan Glass, seeks a six-month suspension of permit processing to allow the county time to establish comprehensive laws and zoning requirements for data centers. Concurrently, Expedited Bill 24-26, led by Councilmember Will Jawando with cosponsor Kristin Mink, aims to define data centers and prohibit building permits for two years.
Separately, the Planning, Housing and Parks Committee will review Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-01. This amendment, sponsored by Council President Natali Fani-González, Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, proposes to legally define data centers, restrict their permissible zones as conditional uses, and establish minimum location standards across Montgomery County.
These legislative reviews highlight a proactive effort by Montgomery County officials to manage the growth and impact of data center infrastructure through both temporary pauses and permanent zoning regulations.