Local Governments in Three States Impose Data Center Moratoriums

Local governments in Georgia, Maryland, and Michigan have independently implemented moratoriums on data center permits to evaluate infrastructure needs and update zoning laws. These proactive measures are appearing in jurisdictions even where no formal applications have yet been filed, signaling a broader regional effort to prevent unwanted land use and ensure environmental protections.

In Georgia, the Covington City Council unanimously enacted a 180-day moratorium and began amending zoning ordinances to remove by-right allowances for industrial properties, requiring special use permits instead. Similarly, the Crawford County Board of Commissioners passed a 180-day freeze, citing a lack of existing procedures to govern such complex projects. In Newton County, officials have opposed developer efforts to annex county land into cities to bypass restrictive zoning.

In Maryland, Baltimore County Councilman Pat Young sponsored a bill to halt permits while the planning board conducts a comprehensive review. This move follows a decision by the Maryland General Assembly to override Governor Wes Moore's veto, mandating state-level studies on the industry's economic and environmental impacts. Meanwhile, in Michigan, the Northville City Council unanimously approved a 12-month pause on data centers and similar industrial facilities to address zoning gaps and prevent potential challenges associated with the industry.