Luzerne County’s Planning Commission forwards proposed data center zoning amendment to County Council

The Luzerne County Planning Commission has voted to recommend a comprehensive data center zoning amendment to the County Council for consideration, following four revisions and numerous public comment sessions. County GIS, Planning, and Zoning Director Dan Reese confirmed no data center requests are currently pending in the 19 municipalities that rely on county zoning. Planning Commission member Frank Sindaco praised the proposal, stating an outside environmental legal entity deemed it "the best they've seen." If approved by council, the amendment will mandate extensive special exception approval from the county Zoning Hearing Board for all data center requests. Key changes include a new requirement for public engagement, compelling applicants to host a public meeting and maintain a project website detailing development plans and permit statuses. Additionally, language was added requiring plans for electronic waste disposal and the mitigation of thermal heat impacts, such as plume discharge and localized "heat islands." The proposal retains substantial setback requirements, calling for "hyperscale" and "major" data centers to be at least 2,000 feet from residential districts or sensitive receptors like schools. This distance can be reduced to 1,500 to 1,999 feet if developers demonstrate superior environmental performance. Smaller "edge" and "minor" data centers face a 1,000-foot setback, reducible to 750 to 999 feet under similar conditions. The amendment also adds a 750-foot setback from adjacent non-residential property lines. The County Council is anticipated to review the recommendation, which would require an introduction vote, public hearing, and majority approval to become an ordinance.