Data Centers in Salisbury?  

ICYMI, the City of Salisbury Planning Commission is discussing the zoning of data centers, and WET is actively engaged.  The former City Planner raised this issue, prompted by a developer’s suggestion that the current zoning code’s reference to a “data processing and computer center” permits data centers by right in the Light Industrial and General Commercial districts.  

Over the past couple of months, the City Planning team and the Planning Commission have explored several potential legislative routes for confirming that data centers are not currently permitted by right. At its July meeting, the Commission invited the Planning team to prepare an amendment specifically confirming that point. The Chair expressed the hope that the Commission would be able to approve the text at its August 13 meeting, invite public input in a formal hearing in September, and recommend legislative action to the City Council. There was discussion of a potential moratorium as well, although there appeared to be no consensus yet on whether one would be needed. The Commission also discussed the possible formation of an ad hoc task force on data centers, including both City and County planning staff and perhaps Planning Commission representatives and local experts, to identify and evaluate concerns regarding data centers and develop proposals for additional legislative guidance.

WET has done extensive research on the history of the current code’s reference to a “data processing and computer center,” with the assistance of the Nabb Center at Salisbury University.  This provision dates back at least to January 1987 and it has not been amended since. Therefore, it clearly preceded the emergence of modern data centers and cannot be presumed to have been intended to permit them. Statements of legislative purpose and intent also confirm that this provision was intended only to permit very different types of operations and to exclude those that raise issues common to modern data centers. WET is providing this analysis and documentation to the Planning Staff and Planning Commission to assist in their consideration of potential legislation.  

Although the local data center discussion has thus far focused on legislative interpretation and process issues, the environmental and community impacts should not be overlooked. WET is concerned about the potential impact industrial-scale data centers could have, for example, on the Paleochannel and other water resources, local electricity costs, property values, and noise pollution. WET fully supports a robust deliberation procedure with meaningful opportunities for stakeholder and expert input.  WET will continue to engage on data center issues and advocate for the best outcome for our community’s public and environmental health. You can review WET's Data Center Legislative Research and Analysis here!