ZTA 26-01 Would Limit Data Centers to Industrial Zones

Zoning Text Amendment 26-01, put forward by Council President Fani-González, Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, would establish new definitions for data centers and limit them to industrial zones under conditional-use review. The proposal includes requirements for 100% clean energy, non-potable cooling systems, expanded setbacks, security and backup-power standards, and retroactive applicability for projects without a building permit. Montgomery County Planning Department analysis indicates only one or two locations countywide could accommodate a hyperscale facility under the new standards.