Calvert County commissioners debate moratorium on data centers; zoning change and revenue study advance

On April 7, 2026 the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners debated a proposed temporary moratorium on data‑center approvals and related zoning changes, amid sustained public comment and sharp differences among commissioners.

Commissioner Mike Hart moved that staff prepare an ordinance imposing a 24‑month moratorium on all county approvals for data‑center development until an independent comprehensive environmental study (land, air, water and noise) was completed and publicized. "Brakes got to be put on," Hart said during the meeting, arguing the pace of proposals had outstripped the county’s ability to assess environmental and infrastructure impacts. "This thing's moving like a freight train," he said.

Planning director Jason Brinkley told the board that no local development permits had been filed with the county at the time of the discussion and that some required state permits (for stream crossings or related matters) may already be in process with the Maryland Department of the Environment. "No permits have been applied for on the county level," Brinkley said, noting that state reviews do not automatically substitute for a county review.

Commissioner Kelly Cox opposed delaying review in blanket form and favored more specific controls in the zoning code. "I can't sit here today and say that you can't you have to wait two years to do something you might have already done," Cox said, urging a rules‑based approach tied to site‑specific requirements. After extended debate, the board voted to remove data centers as an allowable special‑exception use in I1 (light‑industrial/mixed‑use) districts and to include that change in the package of zoning text amendments under development.

The board also approved a separate motion directing county staff and finance officials to study a policy framework that would dedicate a portion of any future non‑base tax revenue from data centers for local priorities — proposals included property‑tax relief, shoring up reserves, supplemental school support, and a community mitigation fund to address infrastructure and environmental impacts. Commissioner Cox said the study will explore legal and fiscal mechanisms and return options to the board.

Public testimony was heavy and largely opposed to local data‑center siting. Speakers cited low‑frequency noise, so‑called heat‑island effects, groundwater and shore impacts, traffic, and the potential for higher electric rates as reasons to pause. Dozens of residents from Lusby, Solomons and other communities urged a moratorium or at least independent, site‑specific studies before the county adopts any approvals.

What happens next: planning staff will advance the text‑amendment package that includes the I1 change and other proposed conditions (water and generator reviews, noise specifications and other performance standards). The board also asked finance staff to return with the revenue‑dedication study. Whether the county adopts a formal moratorium or a set of stricter text amendments will depend on the board’s next steps and the results of the independent analyses recommended by commissioners and requested by community members.