LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, on Zoning Text Amendment #25-187, which would establish a new land-use category for “data centers” within the county’s zoning ordinance.
During a staff presentation at the Oct. 7 Board of Commissioners meeting, county officials said a typical large data center could bring significant economic benefits to Charles County. The project could generate more than 5,000 jobs during the construction phase, contribute about $775 million in overall economic activity, and produce roughly $18 million in state tax revenue while being built. Once operational, the facility could support about 500 permanent jobs, provide an estimated $31 million in annual compensation, and generate about $14 million in recurring annual state tax revenue.
Residents can view the draft bill on the agenda for Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, which lays out how the county proposes to define, permit and conditionally regulate data center projects.
Where Data Centers Could Be Allowed
The draft zoning text amendment would add “Data Center” (Use 7.01.130) to the zoning ordinance as a permitted-with-conditions use in the following zones:
- Business Park (BP)
- General Industrial (IG)
- Heavy Industrial (IH)
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) industrial areas
- Low-Density Residential (RL) — only on parcels at least 50 acres in size that include or border a regulated public utility facility rated 230 kilovolts or higher.
Staff noted that the commercial, industrial and qualifying RL tracts together make up about 2 percent of the county’s total land area, and that data centers will not be allowed in agricultural zones.
Proposed Rules For Future Data Center Sites
Both the staff presentation and the draft zoning bill outlined detailed requirements aimed at reducing impacts on nearby neighborhoods and the environment.
Key Conditions from the Presentation and Draft Bill:
- Open space: At least 30% of the tract must remain open space.
- Setbacks: 200 feet from all property lines and 400 feet from any existing or approved homes.
- Building design: Must include architectural façade treatments such as articulated features, recessed sections or changes in materials, texture or color to avoid blank walls.
- Landscaping and fencing: Bufferyard landscaping 25–50 feet wide with berms and compatible masonry, vinyl or wood fencing along residential edges and public road frontage.
- Lighting: All exterior lighting must be down-shielded to prevent glare on nearby properties and roads.
- Water use: Nonpotable water should be prioritized for cooling to limit potable water usage.
- Parking: Limited to 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of building floor area; no required minimum.
How To Watch Or Submit Comments
The hearing will be held in person and virtually. Residents are encouraged to attend or participate remotely to share their views or submit written comments in advance to ensure their input is part of the public record.
Location: Charles County Government Building, Conference Room (“Blue Room”)
Date: Monday, Nov. 17, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Topic: Zoning Text Amendment #25-187 – Data Center Land Use
In-person seating is limited. Virtual viewing and listening options are available:
- Watch on TV: Comcast Channel 95 or Verizon Fios Channel 10
- Watch online: CCGTV Live Stream
- Listen by phone: Call 301-645-0500
Public Testimony:
- May be given in person or virtually.
- Each speaker will be allotted 3 minutes.
- If a registered speaker is unavailable when called, the county may move on to the next participant.
Submit Comments or Register to Speak:
https://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/PCVirtualMeetingInfo
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That’s right jam up the roads you dam lib. Commissioners you sold out CH.CO. POCKETS ARE GETTING FAT
No mention of the amount of electricity a data center needs under Key Conditions . Watch your electric bill go up to pay for the extra load on the grid all to power AI for the big tech bros.
No data centers booooooo