FREDERICK, MD — Frederick County is holding two informational open houses in September 2026 to explain data center regulations and recent regulatory changes. The events aim to clarify how data center projects are reviewed and regulated under new executive actions initiated by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater.

The first open house will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on September 2 at the Claggett Center in Adamstown. The second will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on September 9 at the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department banquet hall. Both sessions are designed as informal opportunities for residents to engage directly with county staff and learn about the regulatory framework governing data centers in the area.

Representatives from Frederick County Planning and Permitting, Public Works, Emergency Management, the Health Department, and Fire and Rescue Services will attend the open houses to answer questions. County officials state the open houses are intended to improve transparency and help residents understand how data center projects are regulated and reviewed. There will be no formal public comment period during the open houses.

The informational sessions follow two executive orders issued by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. One executive order pauses the acceptance of new Critical Digital Infrastructure applications through December 31, 2026. The pause on applications remains in effect while the state completes its Data Center Impact Analysis. A second executive order requires developers to provide proof of registration with the Maryland Public Service Commission before beginning the county’s development review process.

Frederick County’s regulatory adjustments reflect a broader effort to manage the rapid growth of data center development while state-level analysis is underway. The temporary halt on new Critical Digital Infrastructure applications ensures that county review aligns with findings from the state’s Data Center Impact Analysis, which could influence long-term planning and infrastructure standards. By requiring Maryland Public Service Commission registration upfront, the county aims to ensure that only qualified and compliant developers enter the local review pipeline.

These open houses provide residents a direct channel to understand how such large-scale infrastructure projects are evaluated and how recent executive actions may shape future development in Frederick County, a jurisdiction in Maryland experiencing increased interest from data center operators.