The Montgomery County Council voted Tuesday to approve an 18-month moratorium on new data center development while also adopting a zoning measure that establishes new definitions and restrictions for large data centers.
The legislation replaces the six-month moratorium previously established through an executive order by County Executive Marc Elrich and is intended to give the County time to develop long-term regulations governing the industry.
Under Expedited Bill 19-26, the Department of Permitting Services will be prohibited from issuing building permits for data centers during the 18-month moratorium. The legislation also makes clear that projects already under review or approved but not yet issued a building permit will be subject to the pause. Separately, Zoning Text Amendment 26-01 defines hyperscale data centers and prohibits those facilities in Montgomery County while officials develop a more comprehensive zoning framework.
Council President Natali Fani-González said the measures are intended to provide time to develop “well-defined guidelines” for data center development in collaboration with the state. Councilmember Evan Glass called the moratorium “a necessary step” to protect the environment, utility ratepayers and residents’ quality of life, while Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kristin Mink said the extended pause reflects concerns raised by residents about potential environmental impacts and rising electricity costs.
Supporters of the legislation say the 18-month planning period will allow the County to study best practices, engage residents and stakeholders, and establish long-term standards governing the location, operation and community impacts of future data center projects.
