Lycoming County declares data center ordinance invalid–seeks curative amendment
Lycoming County commissioners have passed a resolution declaring their existing zoning ordinance regulating data centers invalid, citing its inadequacy. This action triggers a 180-day period for the county to enact a curative amendment to establish appropriate zoning regulations. The move aims to address the potential community impacts of data center developments.
Lycoming County commissioners recently passed a resolution invalidating the county's current zoning ordinance pertaining to data centers, citing its inadequacy in regulating these facilities and their potential community impacts. The ordinance, originally enacted in 1991 and amended in 2021, was deemed "substantially invalid" for not providing appropriate zoning regulations for data centers and similar uses.
The resolution initiates a 180-day window, as per Pennsylvania's Municipal Planning Code, for the county to develop and enact a "curative amendment." Jenny Picciano, director of planning and community development, highlighted the urgency of this process to establish robust regulations. Commissioner Marc Sortman underscored the resolution as a "stop gap position" to allow time for a proper ordinance to be put in place, expressing gratitude to the planning department for their swift action.
Sortman also clarified the county's role in development applications, explaining that Lycoming County itself does not review applications except for 19 municipalities partnered with the county for planning and zoning services. He stated that the commissioners do not vote on local municipal development approvals. He noted that while the county is closely monitoring a data center project in Allenwood, it has no direct decision-making power over it. Muncy Township, also not part of the county's planning partnership, is currently awaiting guidance from the county's new ordinance to develop its own regulations.
The commissioner emphasized that all municipalities in the county are legally required to permit all types of businesses, including data centers, somewhere within their ordinances, provided conditions are added. He urged all municipalities to quickly adopt the new county ordinance or a version of it once it is established. A planning commission meeting is scheduled for June 18 to discuss the details of the new ordinance.