Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González, Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles have proposed amendments to ZTA 26-01 to strengthen regulations on data center development following public feedback.
The updates include requiring large data centers to use 100% clean energy, prohibiting the use of potable water for cooling, and ensuring the new rules apply to current and future projects that have not yet received building permits.
Additional changes would refine the definition of data centers, increase setbacks from schools and parks, and require plans for water use and backup energy systems. Officials say the amendments aim to balance economic growth with environmental protections and community concerns while establishing clearer standards for future development.
