Charles County Data Center Zoning Amendment Revised, Heads Back To Public Hearing June 1

The Charles County Planning Commission in La Plata, Maryland, will hold a public hearing on June 1, 2026, for a revised Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA No. 25-187) impacting future data center development. This amendment has undergone a lengthy public process since its authorization on October 7, 2025, and an initial public hearing on November 17, 2025, which garnered over 150 written comments from residents concerned about water consumption, grid strain, environmental impacts, and proximity to neighborhoods. Following work sessions, the Planning Commission initially recommended denying the ZTA as written on March 2, 2026, suggesting revisions such as limiting data centers to Heavy Industrial zones, banning potable water for cooling, requiring self-generated power, and placing all infrastructure costs on developers. The commission also advocated for considering a statewide data center impact study. On April 21, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to advance a revised version of the amendment, returning it to the Planning Commission for a new public hearing to incorporate several of the earlier recommendations. Residents have another opportunity to provide feedback at the upcoming hearing.