East Rockhill Supervisors authorize revised data center ordinance following community concerns
The East Rockhill Board of Supervisors has authorized the drafting of a revised data center ordinance to address community concerns regarding noise levels, groundwater depletion, and other potential impacts. This action follows resident opposition that led to the tabling of an earlier draft in May. The board also adopted a resolution to temporarily prevent developers from pursuing zoning validity challenges while the township updates its regulations.
The East Rockhill Board of Supervisors in Pennsylvania has authorized its solicitor, Will Oetinger, to draft a revised data center ordinance in response to significant community concerns regarding potential impacts. The updated ordinance will incorporate stricter regulations on noise levels, groundwater depletion, environmental impact statements, fire safety, decommissioning requirements, setback rules, and architectural standards for data centers. This decision comes after the board tabled the final adoption of an earlier draft in May, following protests from residents who expressed worries about constant noise, water extraction, and other quality of life issues.
Chairman Dave Nyman acknowledged residents' concerns, stating the board's goal is to protect the township while complying with state law, which prohibits municipalities from outright banning legitimate land uses like data centers. The proposed ordinance would permit data centers in industrial zoning districts near Pennridge Airport, establishing standards for utilities, building dimensions, and construction hours. Key requirements include prioritizing on-site electricity generation and public water connections before resorting to private resources.
During a recent meeting, residents like Emily Devenuto requested collaboration with a citizens' committee for the ordinance development, while Mark Ezzo raised concerns about the region's drought and the adequacy of water protection measures. Solicitor Oetinger assured that existing land development ordinances require geological and hydrogeological studies for water impacts. The board also unanimously adopted a data center municipal curative amendment resolution, a temporary measure designed to prevent developers from filing zoning validity challenges while the township finalizes its updated regulations. The revised ordinance is expected to be presented at the next board meeting on July 28.