Data Centers Overview

Data centers are becoming an increasingly important part of the modern economy, and Charles County is evaluating their potential role in our community. As with any major land use decision, there are both benefits and tradeoffs to consider. While data centers can provide new sources of tax revenue, support technology infrastructure, and create jobs, they also raise concerns about energy consumption, land use, and long-term community impacts.

This page is designed to share clear and factual information about the potential addition of data centers as an approved use. The information highlighted below summarizes both the opportunities and the concerns, so residents, businesses, and stakeholders can better understand what data centers mean for Charles County and take part in informed discussions about this industry.

At a Community Engagement Meeting in September, the community asked a number of questions regarding data centers. You can find the answers to these and other questions here.

Understanding the Potential Development of Data Centers in Charles County
Data centers are essential to our digital world. They store, process, and distribute data for cloud services, websites, and applications that power businesses, government, communication, and everyday life. From online banking to video streaming, to telemedicine and remote work, data centers provide essential information infrastructure to keep our digital economy running smoothly.

The demand for data centers has grown significantly due largely to the massive computing power required by AI applications. This has caused the data center industry to seek new locations to support this growth. Charles County is exploring the addition of data centers as an allowable use within our zoning code, so that potential opportunities can be considered in appropriate locations with regulations to mitigate potential negative impacts.

What are the benefits of bringing data center projects into Charles County?
Charles County can benefit from these new development projects in several ways:
(1) Data centers generate significant new commercial tax revenue and create numerous construction jobs and high-paying operational jobs.
(2) Data centers do not require the same level of public services as other development projects, including need for schools, roads, emergency services, parks and other amenities. They generate minimal traffic compared to other commercial and industrial uses.
(3) Data centers can partner with local communities to support investments in schools, technology, and workforce development programs.

What infrastructure is needed for data center projects in Charles County?
Data center projects require sufficient access to electrical power, water for cooling and fiber. Charles County wants to ensure that proposals for data centers include:
(1) Locations that are easily connected to the power grid and green energy sources.
(2) Locations that promote sustainability and prioritize reclaimed water for cooling.
(3) Locations that minimize conflicts with surrounding non-commercial uses.

How would data centers shape the quality of life for those living nearby?
Data centers do have noise impacts. They are very large structures that can have visual impacts. To integrate these sites with minimal impacts to the surrounding community, data centers should:
(1) Reduce noise through soundproofing materials, barriers, and strategic site placement.
(2) Ensure there are appropriate setbacks from roadways and include trees and vegetative buffers around the property to minimize noise and visual impacts.
(3) Implement energy-efficient cooling technologies by prioritizing reclaimed water and other innovative systems.

We invite you to stay engaged, explore the resources provided, and share your perspective as Charles County considers this important decision for our future.