After Hours Of Testimony And “No Data Centers” Chants, Charles County Planning Commission Recommends Denial Of Data Center Zoning Amendment

LA PLATA, Md. — Following more than three hours of public testimony focused on concerns about utility costs, noise, farmland preservation, wildlife impacts and quality-of-life issues for residents, the Charles County Planning Commission unanimously voted Monday to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners deny a revised data center zoning amendment as written.

The recommendation marks the second time the Planning Commission has advised against approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-187, which would establish zoning regulations governing future data center development in Charles County.

Planning Director Charles Rice said the amendment had undergone multiple revisions since first being introduced in 2025. The Planning Commission previously recommended denial of the original proposal on March 2, citing concerns about potable water use, power generation requirements, infrastructure costs and potential impacts on surrounding communities.

The revised amendment returned to the Planning Commission following changes requested by the Board of County Commissioners and county staff.

Before testimony began, Rice noted that an estimated 50 to 60 individuals had signed up to speak, highlighting the continued public interest surrounding the proposal.

The hearing stretched for almost four hours as residents, property owners and other stakeholders shared concerns about the potential impacts of data centers on the county.

Many speakers questioned whether large-scale facilities could increase costs for residents through higher utility rates or future infrastructure demands. Others expressed concerns about noise generated by cooling equipment and backup generators, particularly for homeowners living near industrially zoned properties where data centers could be permitted.

Additional testimony focused on preserving farmland, protecting wildlife habitat and safeguarding natural resources. Several speakers urged county leaders to consider the cumulative effects of future development and to conduct additional environmental, economic and infrastructure analyses before adopting regulations.

Opposition to the proposal was evident throughout the hearing. Residents repeatedly questioned the need to advance data center regulations before additional state studies and guidance are completed. At one point, audience members broke into chants of “No data centers” as concerns about utility costs, noise, farmland preservation, wildlife impacts and effects on nearby communities dominated the discussion.

Following the close of the public hearing, Vice Chair Jeffrey Gossart moved to recommend denial of the amendment as written.

Gossart said the recommendation was based on concerns the Planning Commission has raised throughout its review of the proposal, including the overall size and scope of potential data center developments, requirements for future site decommissioning, the need for additional environmental and socioeconomic analysis, consideration of community benefit agreements, and whether current setback and noise standards provide adequate protections for nearby residents.

“Mr. Chairman, I am going to make a motion to deny ZTA 25-187, as written, reflective of the conditions identified earlier in March of 2026. It is also reflective of comments associated with size limitations, decommissioning, environmental socioeconomic studies, community benefit agreement and adjustment of setback and noise restrictions.”

The motion received a second and passed unanimously.

Staff clarified that the action does not deny the zoning text amendment. Instead, it serves as a recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners deny the proposal in its current form. County commissioners retain final authority and may choose to approve, modify or reject the amendment following their own review and public hearing process.

Residents can watch the Planning Commission public hearing on Charles County Government Television.

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