East Cocalico sends draft data center ordinance to planning commissions for review
East Cocalico Township supervisors have advanced a draft ordinance to regulate data center construction, sending it to local planning commissions for review. This action follows a directive in April to develop zoning amendments establishing performance standards and criteria for data center use. The initiative responds to a trend of large data center projects being proposed or built countywide, which consume significant amounts of land, water, and electricity.
The East Cocalico Township supervisors recently took a significant step towards regulating data center construction within the township. During their July 16 meeting, the supervisors approved sending a draft ordinance to the local planning commissions for review.
This move follows a decision in April where supervisors directed staff to prepare a data center amendment to the existing zoning ordinance. The proposed amendment aims to establish specific performance standards and criteria for data center developments, addressing concerns about their impact.
The background for this regulatory action is the proliferation of large data centers across Lancaster County, which are noted for their substantial land footprint and high consumption of water and electricity.