Planning commission advances industrial zoning text and unanimously votes to prohibit data centers

The Walkersville Planning Commission voted on Oct. 14 to forward revised industrial zoning text amendments to the Burgess and commissioners and, separately, approved a motion to prohibit data centers within the town boundary.

Staff member (Speaker 3) outlined text edits and noted the need to add about 13 definitions that will accompany the ordinance (examples listed included agritourism, farm brewery, cannabis processing and solar facilities). Staff said the package must be presented in ordinance form and will require additional public hearings once drafted.

Commissioners debated adding data centers to the town's prohibited uses. Committee member (Speaker 7) urged caution, citing county examples where large data centers have drawn down local groundwater and created noise and resource pressures: "Do you want it in your backyard? Do you want them drawing on your resources?" Committee member (Speaker 6) and others echoed concerns about water impact and legal exposure; Speaker 1 and staff noted a defined code section for prohibited uses (88‑15) will need a clear, inclusive definition for large‑scale facilities.

After discussion, a motion to add data centers as a prohibited use within the town boundary was made, seconded and approved unanimously. Staff and commissioners agreed to add a clear definition of data centers and related terms in the ordinance language before final adoption.

Speaker 3 said staff will prepare definitions and the ordinance draft and coordinate an outreach/hearing process with the Burgess and commissioners. The commission recorded the vote as unanimous and noted that prohibiting a use creates a legal basis for review but could face legal challenge if the definition or enforcement is ambiguous.