Charles County Planning Commission Recommends Denial of Data Center Zoning Amendment Amid Public Opposition

The Charles County Planning Commission has unanimously recommended that the Board of County Commissioners deny a revised data center zoning amendment, Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-187, following over three hours of public testimony. This marks the second time the Planning Commission has advised against approving the amendment, which aims to establish zoning regulations for future data center development in Charles County.

Residents and stakeholders voiced significant opposition, citing concerns about potential increases in utility costs, noise from cooling equipment and backup generators, and impacts on farmland, wildlife habitat, and natural resources. Many questioned the need for new data center regulations before further state studies are completed, with some audience members chanting "No data centers" during the hearing.

Planning Director Charles Rice noted the high public interest, with an estimated 50 to 60 individuals signing up to speak. Vice Chair Jeffrey Gossart moved for the denial recommendation, citing concerns raised throughout the review process, including the scale of potential developments, decommissioning requirements, the need for additional environmental and socioeconomic analyses, community benefit agreements, and the adequacy of current setback and noise standards.

Although the Planning Commission's vote was unanimous, staff clarified that this action is a recommendation, not a final denial of the zoning text amendment. The Board of County Commissioners retains final authority and will conduct its own review and public hearing process before deciding whether to approve, modify, or reject the amendment.