Luzerne County data center zoning ordinance heads to council: What changed in setbacks, noise limits
The Luzerne County Planning Commission advanced a proposed data center zoning ordinance to County Council for final consideration. The ordinance would impose special approval requirements, setback rules, noise limits and impact studies in 19 municipalities, though no developers have submitted applications for major or hyperscale data centers in those areas.
The Luzerne County Planning Commission voted to forward a proposed data center zoning ordinance to County Council with a recommendation for final adoption. The measure would apply in 19 municipalities that rely on county zoning and require data center proposals to undergo special-exception review by the county Zoning Hearing Board, including studies of noise and other impacts.
Following concerns from county administrators that the original rules could be legally exclusionary, commissioners approved less restrictive setbacks and sound standards. The revised ordinance sets setbacks of 1,250 feet from sensitive receptors, with a possible reduction to 1,000 feet, and limits noise at the property line to 55 dB(A) and 65 dB(C). Community members praised the process while questioning the changes, and County Council has not yet scheduled a vote. Officials said no developers have applied or inquired about hyperscale or major data centers in the covered municipalities.