Charles County Planning Commission Meeting - February 2, 2026

The Charles County Planning Commission met on February 2, 2026, to discuss zoning text amendments for data centers, approve an alternative design code for a self-storage facility, review the capital improvement program, and hold officer elections. The meeting included a work session on ZTA 25-187, which was continued to March, and approval of the Barry Road Self-Storage Park design code and CIP consistency ratings.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as written (unanimous).
• Approved the December 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous).
• Deferred approval of the January 12, 2026 minutes to the next meeting due to lack of a quorum of members present at that meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No live public testimony was heard during this meeting. However, staff summarized approximately 150 written public comments received during the public hearing period for ZTA 25-187 (data centers). The comments expressed a mix of concerns about potential negative impacts (potable water use, electric grid strain, air and noise pollution) and acknowledgments of economic benefits (tax revenues, construction jobs). Recurring requests included more restrictive water language, inclusion of specific zones, infrastructure contributions, community benefit agreements, and business plan requirements.

Discussion Items

• Work Session: ZTA 25-187 (Data Centers) – Planning Director Charles Rice presented highlights of the public comments and the process. Commissioners expressed concerns about water usage (especially potable water for cooling), impacts on electricity rates, and the need for more definitive zoning. Discussion included the state of Maryland's ongoing study (HB 0270) due September 2026 and a proposed federal review. Several commissioners favored waiting for state guidance. After debate, the commission voted 3-1 to continue the work session to the March 2, 2026 meeting, with the expectation that commissioners would provide specific recommendations on revisions to the text amendment.
• Barry Road Self-Storage Park Alternative Design and Development Code – Planner Tatiana Anderson presented the proposal for a mini storage facility on a 2.69-acre BP-zoned parcel near schools. The applicant (Sage Ventures) sought a floor area ratio of 1.0, deviating from standard code. Staff recommended approval with one condition regarding amendments. Applicant Sue Greer highlighted the benign use and community support, noting that the Board of Education had no objection. The commission approved the alternative design code unanimously.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) FY2027-2031 – Joel Binkley presented staff’s consistency ratings for 188 projects. He explained why some projects dropped from the list (funding, deferral, rebranding). Commissioner Jeffrey Bossert raised concerns about traffic congestion on US 301 in White Plains and requested enhanced language in the county’s priority letter to SHA for a study. The commission approved the consistency ratings and forwarded them to the Board of County Commissioners.
• Officer Elections – The commission elected Jeffrey Bossert as Vice Chair (nomination, second, ayes). Dawood Abdur Ramon was re-elected Secretary (nomination, second, ayes).
• Director's Report – Charles Rice updated the commission on comprehensive plan public meetings: six sessions scheduled from February 12 to April 22, 2026, with an additional Waldorf date added.

Key Outcomes

• ZTA 25-187 (data centers) work session continued to the March 2, 2026 meeting; motion passed 3-1 (Bossert, Earl, Abdur Ramon in favor; Secretarski opposed).
• Barry Road Self-Storage Park Alternative Design Code approved unanimously with staff’s condition.
• CIP FY2027-2031 consistency ratings approved unanimously and forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners.
• Jeffrey Bossert elected Vice Chair; Dawood Abdur Ramon re-elected Secretary.
• The January 12, 2026 minutes were deferred.
• Comprehensive plan public meeting schedule updated with new dates.