Local Councils Clash Over Data Center Zoning and Moratoriums

Municipal leaders across the United States are diverging on how to handle the rise of data center development. In Jefferson, the City of Jefferson Council expressed unanimous opposition to such facilities, particularly hyperscale centers, during a Tuesday meeting. City Administrator Timothy Freitag noted that no data center has ever been proposed for the city and argued that Jefferson lacks the necessary land and power infrastructure. While some council members favored a total ban, others suggested zoning amendments to regulate size and energy demand to avoid legal risks.

Conversely, the Decatur City Council voted 4-1 on July 21 to reject stricter zoning regulations. The council opted to remove restrictions on facility size and power sources in industrial settings, oversteering a proposal from Planning Director Chad Bowman to require variances for facilities exceeding 10,000 square feet. Council members argued that restrictive rules could penalize a single industry and deter economic development.

In Maryland, the Dorchester County Council is considering a moratorium on data centers. Council Vice President Mike Detmer cited concerns regarding noise, water usage, and the state's energy policy. The council has directed its manager to research similar one-year moratoriums already implemented in neighboring Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties to establish a formal regulatory framework before developers submit proposals.