Calvert County Sets Timeline And Terms For New Data Center Moratorium Vote

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — In a first for the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), officials voted to move forward with drafting an ordinance putting a moratorium on data center development in the county.

At the July 21 meeting, the BOCC asked that the Department of Planning & Zoning formally write a six-month moratorium so that it can be brought to public hearing, and later, to a vote.

The BOCC has previously voted on whether or not to pursue a moratorium, but has never proceeded to this step; in past votes, commissioners voted down motions proposed by Commissioner Mike Hart to put a moratorium in place.

At the July 7 BOCC meeting, the commissioners elected to put a “moratorium discussion” on the agenda to be able to give staff specific guidance on the language and guidelines of the ordinance.

Planning & Zoning Director Jason Brinkley outlined the steps to making a moratorium official, which include presenting the draft ordinance, a 14-day notice for a public hearing regarding the moratorium, holding the public hearing, and then a vote.

Brinkley estimated that, following the proper procedure, the earliest the public hearing could take place is Aug. 18.

Cox asked that staff draft the moratorium and prepare it for public hearing at the earliest possible convenience. Brinkley confirmed that there was “no chance” AWS could get site plan approvals before a moratorium became official. He also confirmed that Natelli Holdings had not submitted any plans or documentation at the time of the July 21 meeting.

“Let’s get the public involved and get this thing done,” Commissioner Catherine Grasso said.

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