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Havre de Grace council introduces zoning ordinance to limit data centers; public hearing set for May 18
Summary
The Havre de Grace City Council voted 6–0 on April 20 to introduce an ordinance amending city zoning rules to address data centers. Council identified a drafting error to be corrected and referred detailed review to the Planning Commission; the required public hearing was scheduled for May 18.
The Havre de Grace City Council on April 20 introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 205 of the city zoning code to regulate data centers, voting 6–0 to move the measure forward.
"I move to introduce an ordinance concerning amending chapter 205 zoning regarding data centers in the first reading," Council member Jones said during the meeting, and the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.
Council president Ringstock flagged a drafting mistake in the packet language and requested a friendly amendment to correct the district reference. "Line 96 should read, 'the following uses are prohibited in the industrial district,' not the RO District," Ringstock said, asking that the code language be corrected before further review.
Mayor William T. Martin noted the ordinance will require the standard 14-day advertising requirement for zoning changes, so the public hearing date was set for May 18 rather than the date originally printed in the packet.
Planning staff will consider the text amendment at the Planning Commission meeting in May. Councilmember Boyer asked the commission to examine battery-storage facilities as well, saying they commonly co-locate with data centers and "go hand in hand" with them.
The ordinance was introduced as ordinance 1219 and will return for additional review and public comment at the Planning Commission and at the city public hearing on May 18.
Next steps: the Planning Commission review, the city public hearing (May 18) and further council action after public input and any staff revisions.
