West Rockhill Supervisors approve amended data center ordinance as first application is filed
The West Rockhill Board of Supervisors has approved an amended data center ordinance, introducing stricter regulations on facility dimensions, water and electricity use, and noise. This comes as the township reviews its first formal data center application, with a citizens group actively proposing further recommendations. The approved ordinance and ongoing application review highlight the township's efforts to proactively manage data center development.
The West Rockhill Board of Supervisors has approved an amended data center ordinance, addressing prior resident concerns regarding inadequate regulations and the rushed process of its initial adoption in April. The new amendments introduce stricter requirements, including increasing the minimum lot size from 25 to 35 acres, widening lot width from 350 to 750 feet, mandating a 400-foot yard setback from residential districts, and capping building height at 35 feet.
Key environmental provisions in the amended ordinance include mandatory water and electricity feasibility studies, a prohibition on groundwater or surface water extraction, and a requirement for closed-loop water systems. It also reduces maximum daytime noise levels from 79 to 65 decibels and nighttime levels from 65 to 55 decibels. These changes reflect efforts to mitigate impacts on the township and surrounding municipalities.
Simultaneously, the township is reviewing its first formal data center application for a site at 215 Cathill Road. Township solicitor David Keightly clarified that this is currently a one-page sketch plan supporting a special exception application to the Zoning Hearing Board, not a full land development application. The Board of Supervisors has declined to comment on the pending application.
A private citizens group, including members Scott Riegel and Ashley Adams, continues to work on a third iteration of the data center ordinance, drawing recommendations from PennFuture's model ordinance and other local municipal regulations. Their proposals focus on emergency response planning, noise mitigation, fire safety, and groundwater depletion, including calls for developers to provide financial security for remediation and decommissioning, and to document baseline well conditions before construction. Board Chairman Jay Keyser emphasized the board's commitment to protecting residents, the township, and the environment, stating he would not support proposals involving water withdrawal and discharge.