Frederick Council to Vote on Two-Year Pause on Data Center Zoning Changes

Frederick’s City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on a proposal to pause consideration of zoning changes that would allow data centers for two years, according to The Frederick News-Post.

The measure would take effect immediately after passage and the mayor’s signature. It would prevent city officials, employees, boards and commissions from accepting, processing or approving applications to amend the land management code to permit data centers and related infrastructure.

The distinction matters: the city’s current zoning code already does not permit data centers, the report says. The proposed moratorium would pause the legislative process for changing that situation. It is not an order to shut down operating facilities.

Council Member Derek Shackelford drafted the ordinance, which also calls for a comprehensive study of potential impacts before the city pursues data center legislation. Following public discussion, he added requests to examine effects on emergency workers and zoning considerations near daycares and healthcare facilities.

Residents offered differing views on the proposed two-year duration. Some wanted a shorter pause; others favored a longer one. The draft retains two years but would allow the council to extend or repeal the measure.

The vote comes as developer Trammell Crow seeks a text amendment allowing data centers in light and heavy industrial districts without a separate discretionary land-use approval, provided projects meet the proposed zoning requirements.

City planning staff do not support that approach, according to the newspaper’s account of a staff report. Staff argue that it could limit the city’s ability to address compatibility with surrounding development through building size, placement, access and other design conditions.

Instead, planners suggested a floating zone: a zoning approach requiring the council to evaluate individual properties before authorizing that use. The developer opposed the change, citing the added time and expense of the development process.

A September presentation identified two undeveloped properties meeting the developer’s proposed restrictions. The report also noted that future annexations could bring additional qualifying land into the city.

The draft moratorium is written to cover existing and future legislative proposals during the pause. However, the newspaper had not received an explanation from city officials about its specific effect on Trammell Crow’s pending amendment.

The council meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at City Hall. A vote and mayoral signature are still required before the proposed pause can take effect.