Planning Commission Update

Hello! You are receiving this notification because you requested updates on the “Data Centers Overview" project.

We want to keep you informed about the latest developments related to the proposed Data Center Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) #25-187.

At its meeting on Monday, March 2, the Charles County Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the ZTA as currently written. The recommendation will now be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for their consideration. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that any future draft of the ZTA include the following amendments to the original language:

• Limit data centers to Heavy Industrial zoned land
• Prohibit potable drinking water from being used to cool data centers
• Require that data center developers fully cover the costs of necessary infrastructure associated with their projects.
• Require that data center developers generate the bulk of the power required for their projects
• Require that data center developers submit a Community Benefit Agreement
• Incorporate elements of the Next Generation Energy Act of 2025

The Planning Commission’s motion also recommended that future proposals align with forthcoming state guidance, including a state report related to data center development expected in September 2026.

As part of the process, the recommendation will be transmitted to the Charles County Board of County Commissioners, who will review the proposal and determine next steps.

We will continue to provide updates on this page as additional information becomes available.