Zoning regulations for data centers in development in Lower Gwynedd
Lower Gwynedd Township is developing new data center zoning regulations after its current ordinance was deemed invalid, creating a risk for unchecked development. A public meeting is scheduled for October 6th to discuss the proposed rules. The township has 180 days to adopt new regulations as part of a curative amendment process.
Lower Gwynedd Township is proactively developing new zoning regulations for data centers after its existing ordinance was declared invalid in July, leaving the township vulnerable to developers proposing data centers without specific standards. Township officials expressed concern that this void could allow a developer to challenge the ordinance and dictate terms for a new data center project within the community.
The township has initiated a legal process called a curative amendment, providing it with 180 days from July 28 to formulate and adopt these new zoning rules. During this period, the township has the option to temporarily halt new data center development.
A public meeting is scheduled for October 6 at 7 p.m. in the township building to discuss the proposed regulations. These facilities are recognized for their substantial consumption of land, electricity, and water, as noted by sustainability nonprofit Ceres. The township aims to implement feasible regulations that could include conditional use approval, designated locations, operational standards for noise, lighting, and water use, and performance standards to mitigate community impacts.
Montgomery and Chester counties had previously released a model data center ordinance in April, recommending conditional use within industrial zones. Whitemarsh Township has already begun drafting its own ordinance, incorporating these county recommendations alongside a model from the environmental advocacy group Penn Future. Lower Gwynedd has not yet specified which model ordinances it will consider.