The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Carroll County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Carroll County has enacted a one-year pause on accepting, reviewing, processing, and approving data center plans, delaying new construction and expansion; existing operations may continue.
Rating from Maryland statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Carroll County.
Specific to Carroll County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasTemporarily pauses Carroll County’s acceptance, review, processing, and approval of data center plans for one year beginning February 19, 2026.Maryland Ordinance 2026-02 (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause acceptance, review, processing, and approval of data center plans in the county for one year, making new construction and expansion substantially harder during that period. It does not ban ongoing operations, but the year-long moratorium is a major delay.
Timing
- Ends
- one year after the effective date, 2026-02-19
The temporary deferral applies to acceptance, processing, reviewing, and approval of all data processing center plans in Carroll County. No extension condition is stated.
People behind it
- Susan W. Krebs
Moved the motion to approve a one-year deferral of data processing centers and close the public hearing.
- Thomas Gordon III
Seconded the motion to approve a one-year deferral of data processing centers and close the public hearing.
- Board of County Commissioners
Approved the one-year temporary deferral and enacted the related zoning ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
A one-year deferral prohibits the acceptance, processing, review, and approval of all plans for data processing centers in Carroll County. The deferral begins February 19, 2026, and applies to data processing centers as defined in § 158.002. one year starting with the effective date
The deferral required approval by the Board of County Commissioners following a public hearing; the Board approved the one-year deferral by unanimous vote. approve a deferral of data centers for 1 year
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4
Adds data centers as an allowed use in the County’s industrial zoning districts, allowing development there without requiring rezoning to a new district.
Allows data-center development through the County’s site-plan review process, subject to specified development standards and approvals.
Allows supporting infrastructure and equipment—including electrical substations, emergency generators, cooling systems, support buildings, and related utility facilities—to be developed and operated as part of or accessory to the data-center use.
Establishes a defined zoning framework for classifying and reviewing data centers, expansions, and related site improvements, reducing regulatory uncertainty.
Sources
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