Planning commission recommends zoning amendments to regulate data centers, adds setback, noise and other requirements

The Frederick County Planning Commission voted Feb. 19 to recommend amendments to Chapter 165 (the county zoning ordinance) to add a definition for data centers, require operational and siting standards, and to clarify how power‑generation and transmission facilities are treated in the ordinance.

Staff said the amendment defines a data center as “a premises in which the majority of the use is occupied by computers and/or telecommunications or related equipment for processing, storing, or transferring information,” and adds requirements including a 200‑foot building setback from adjoining residences, category C buffer screening, restrictions on hours for generator cycling and testing, submittal of water‑use estimates prior to approval, enclosure/screening of ground‑…