Montgomery County panel approves 18-month moratorium on data center permits

Council President Natalie Fanny Gonzales, chairing the Economic Development Committee, said the committee approved an amended expedited bill (19-26) establishing an 18-month moratorium on permits for data centers so the county can study appropriate zoning and regulatory changes.

"Without objection, we are approving the 18," Gonzales said after a motion to approve the amended expiry was moved by Council member Lorraine Sales and seconded by Council member Glass. Council staff had told the committee the county executive had already issued a six-month administrative moratorium on 06/12/2026 and that the legislation is intended to give Montgomery County time to evaluate laws and zoning requirements governing large-scale data centers. Staff also noted the council received extensive written testimony and held a public hearing on 06/16/2026 raising concerns including public health, energy use and noise.

Committee members characterized the 18-month period as a compromise to allow coordination with state work, local Office of Legislative Oversight analysis and further stakeholder engagement. The chair said the related zoning-text amendment (ZTA) will be taken up in a later session and the council will consider a consolidated bill on Tuesday, July 28; sponsors said they planned to withdraw separate drafts so the council can pass a single combined measure.