Reading weighs zoning rules for data centers
Reading officials are developing zoning regulations that would allow data centers as a conditional use in certain industrial districts while addressing setbacks, environmental impacts, water, wastewater, electricity, traffic and noise. The city has temporarily paused data center development while the proposal undergoes revisions and review.
Reading City Council reviewed the fourth draft of a proposed zoning amendment for data centers. The rules would permit data centers as a conditional use in heavy manufacturing and manufacturing-commercial districts, requiring individual projects to receive council approval and comply with standards covering setbacks, floodplains, landscaping, noise, traffic, utilities and environmental impacts.
Officials remain divided over the potential industry. Council members including Jaime Baez Jr. and Raymond Baker support preparing rules that could allow economic development, while Council President Donna Reed voiced concerns about water and electricity demand and impacts on neighborhoods and natural resources. The draft will receive further edits before a required 30-day Berks County review, planning commission recommendation, public hearing and eventual council consideration.