Worcester County Enacts Moratorium on Data Centers and Cable Landing Stations While New Regulations Are Developed

The Worcester County Commissioners earlier this month placed a temporary moratorium on the submittal and issuance of permits for data centers and cable landing stations. The moratorium is valid for 12 months or until rescinded by the commissioners. The resolution also places a temporary hold on all Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) proceedings related to these facilities. The moratorium applies to both pending and future applications while the County completes its review. As a result of the moratorium, no appeals or special exception requests involving data centers or cable landing stations are currently scheduled before the BZA. The moratorium was established by Resolution No. 26-18 to provide county staff with the time necessary to develop comprehensive zoning regulations governing the construction, location, and operation of these emerging land uses.