Frederick considers two-year pause on data center zoning changes
A proposed moratorium would pause applications to allow data centers while the city studies their effects on infrastructure, the environment and neighborhoods.
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
The proposed moratorium would last two years and cover applications to change the city code to allow data centers. The study would examine infrastructure, environmental, economic and community impacts. The public work session is scheduled for Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall boardroom.
Frederick could put data center zoning changes on hold for two years under a proposal headed to the City Council, creating time to study the facilities before deciding how they might fit within city limits.
The Frederick News-Post reports that Council Member Derek Shackelford submitted the draft, which is scheduled for discussion at a public work session Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall boardroom.
The proposal would stop the city from accepting, processing or approving applications to amend its land management code to allow data centers. That would include applications already submitted. It has not been adopted.
According to the newspaper, the current code does not identify data centers as an allowed use, effectively preventing them under the existing rules. The proposed pause would focus on efforts to change those rules.
During the two-year period, the city would examine environmental, infrastructure, economic and community impacts, along with approaches taken by other jurisdictions. The draft calls for the mayor’s office, city staff or consultants to conduct the study in coordination with the Planning Commission. It would also allow the council to repeal or extend the moratorium.
Steve Jakubczyk, a founding member of Citizens for Responsible Growth, told the News-Post that his group supports the pause and wants a citizen-led committee to help research the issue. That committee is a request from the group, rather than a feature established by the draft.
The city’s discussion is separate from Frederick County’s data center restrictions. The News-Post reports that the county’s moratorium, which runs until July 2027, does not apply within Frederick city limits.
The city plans to provide overflow space for the work session and has encouraged interested residents to arrive early, according to the report.
WHAT IT MEANS
For city residents, the proposal would create a period for research and public discussion before zoning changes could move forward. The work session is a discussion of a draft; it does not mean a moratorium has already taken effect.
Original reporting referenced by Everything Frederick:
The Frederick News-Post — Reporting by Katelynn Winebrenner. Adapted from the supplied article. →Want more Frederick updates like this?
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