Howard County adopts one-year moratorium on unincorporated data-center permits
Summary
Commissioners approved a one-year moratorium preventing new permits or applications for data centers in unincorporated Howard County to allow the county time to study regulations, accept public comment and possibly form drafting groups; the moratorium does not apply inside city limits.
A majority of the Howard County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a one-year moratorium on permitting and accepting applications for data centers in the county’s unincorporated areas. The measure, explained by a commissioner during the meeting, is intended to give staff time to research and craft an ordinance regulating data centers, which the board said are not adequately covered by existing zoning rules.
“It does not allow anyone to apply for accept or obtain any permits for data centers while the moratorum is in effect,” the commissioner said, explaining the moratorium’s immediate restrictions and why the board wants time for study. The presenter noted the moratorium is precautionary: no applications are currently pending in unincorporated Howard County, and similar temporary prohibitions have been used by 17 other counties.
Public commenters raised questions about how data centers differ from other forms of heavy industry and whether a community advisory committee would be formed to help draft an ordinance. Deon Rush asked for a clear distinction, saying, “So my question was what is the separation between heavy industry and specifically the data centers,” and staff responded that data centers present unique infrastructure and resource demands warranting focused review.
Several residents urged a structured public input process. Lisa Washington and Cheryl Graham, the president of the county planning commission, recommended recruiting local experts and stakeholders to provide technical input as ordinance language is developed. A commissioner said written comments are welcome and offered to review planning-commission minutes to confirm whether a formal committee had been proposed at that earlier hearing.
The board clarified the moratorium applies only to unincorporated areas and cannot restrict activity inside municipal limits. Commissioners said the one-year period can be shortened or extended if the board completes drafting earlier or needs more time. The measure passed on a motion, with a voice vote recorded as in favor.
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