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.
Washington County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Washington County has enacted a 12-month pause on accepting, reviewing, and approving data center applications, slowing new development and expansion; ongoing operations and certain already-certified uses are exempt.
Rating from Maryland statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Washington County.
Specific to Washington County only.
current law · County measurePauses the acceptance, review, and approval of data center applications in Washington County for 12 months while the county studies future regulations.Washington County Moratorium Ordinance for Data Centers (2026)
What this means
The measure pauses acceptance, review, and approval of data center applications for 12 months, making new development and expansion substantially harder during that time. It does not ban ongoing operations, and the ordinance exempts certain uses that already have a current certificate of use and occupancy.
Timing
- Ends
- Jun 30, 2027
The moratorium became effective on 2026-06-30 and remains in effect for twelve months. It may be modified or extended by a majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners.
People behind it
- Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Enacted and adopted the data center moratorium ordinance.
- Zachary J. Kieffer
County Attorney who presented the proposed ordinance and approved it for legal form and sufficiency.
- Commissioner Randall E. Wagner
Moved to amend the proposed ordinance by extending the moratorium from six to twelve months.
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- Commissioner Jeffrey A. Cline
Seconded the motion to amend the proposed ordinance by extending the moratorium to twelve months.
- John F. Barr
President of the Board who signed the adopted ordinance.
- Dawn L. Marcus
County Clerk who attested the adopted ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
A temporary 12-month moratorium, effective immediately, prohibits accepting, processing, reviewing, or approving data-center applications, plans, or requests in Washington County. The moratorium may be modified or extended by a majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners.
The moratorium does not apply to a use already permitted under the Zoning Ordinance if a current Certificate of Use and Occupancy had been issued as of the ordinance’s effective date.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Existing uses that were permitted under the Zoning Ordinance and had a current Certificate of Use and Occupancy as of June 30, 2026, are exempt from the data-center definition and the temporary application deferral.
Sources
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