Luzerne County gets more input on zoning plan for data centers
News ClipWilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice·Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA·3/6/2026
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is proposing a new zoning ordinance to regulate data centers. The county planning department held a meeting to get public input on the proposal, which would limit data centers to certain zoning districts and require zoning board approval. The county planning commission could vote in March to recommend the zoning changes to the county council. No data center proposals have been submitted to the county yet, but the current zoning ordinance does not address data centers.
zoningannouncement
Gov: Luzerne County Planning & Zoning Department, Luzerne County Planning Commission, Luzerne County Council, Newport Township
Luzerne County is considering a zoning proposal to limit data centers to specific districts and require zoning board approval. The proposed ordinance would permit "hyperscale" data centers over 500,000 sq ft and "major" data centers 100,000-500,000 sq ft in heavy industrial, light industrial, and mining zones. "Edge" data centers under 100,000 sq ft could be allowed in additional business districts. The ordinance aims to address concerns around visual screening, noise, power and water usage, and emergency planning. Local officials have raised further issues, such as data center developers' use of non-disclosure agreements and the impact on bee pollination. The proposal has evolved, increasing setbacks and reducing noise and height limits.