Baltimore: data centers of 10 MW or more prohibited citywide; a bill would lower the threshold to 5 MW

Status: In effect (Ordinance 26-128, signed 16 June 2026; effective 16 July 2026, with a one-year duration) · Pending: Bill 26-0217, 5 MW threshold, in the Land Use and Transportation Committee · Checked: 8 October 2026

For an existing enterprise facility. The prohibition reaches a “facility or portion of a facility” capable of using 10 MW or more. Bill 26-0217 would bring that down to 5 MW, which is within the range of many enterprise data halls. The ordinance text we read does not say how existing data centers are treated; we are not assuming either way.

What changed

Ordinance 26-128 adds “data centers” to the list of uses prohibited in all zoning districts of the City, alongside crude oil terminals and incinerators. It also excludes data centers from the “office”, “research and development facility” and “telecommunications facility” uses, so a data center cannot be approved under those labels. The prohibition is temporary. Under committee Amendment No. 5 the ordinance “takes effect 30 days after it is enacted,” which with enactment on 16 June 2026 is 16 July 2026; under Amendment No. 4 it remains in effect “for a period of 1 year following the effective date,” after which it lapses without further Council action. It also directs the Department of Planning to study data centers’ effects on energy infrastructure and ratepayers, water use, diesel backup generator air quality and noise, and to recommend a definition and conditional-use standards within nine months.

Who it affects

A “data center” is “a facility or portion of a facility (1) that is used primarily for the remote storage, processing, and distribution of data; and (2) that is capable of using 10 megawatts or more of electricity.” Bill 26-0217 would change 10 to 5 megawatts, effective 30 days after enactment, if Ordinance 26-128 is in effect.

If you operate or plan a data center in Baltimore, check

1. Your facility’s capable electrical load against the 10 MW threshold, and the 5 MW one if the bill passes.
2. How the City treats an existing facility at or above the threshold that seeks to expand: the text we read does not address it, so confirm with the Department of Planning.
3. The Planning study’s recommendations on definitions and conditional-use standards, due within nine months of enactment.

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