East Deer passes amendment for ordinance geared toward data centers
East Deer Commissioners passed an amendment to a zoning ordinance to regulate data center development, citing concerns over power and water usage, and noise. The new regulations include guidelines for location, power, water, noise, and general maintenance, aiming to protect residents. No data center developers have approached the township, but officials consider the amendment a necessary precaution.
East Deer Township Commissioners have unanimously approved an amendment to its zoning ordinance, aiming to establish regulations for data center development within the municipality. The amendment, passed in a 5-0 vote earlier this month, introduces guidelines designed to "protect residents against data centers" by addressing potential issues like escalating prices, water and power usage, and noise.
Commissioners Chairman Tony Taliani explained that the original zoning ordinance predated the prominence of data centers in the region, necessitating an update. The new regulations specify where data centers can be located (exclusively in industrial zones), and include requirements for landscape buffers, fencing, power supply, water and sewer mandates, noise and vibration studies, and general maintenance.
Despite not having been approached by any data center developers, Taliani views the amendment as a crucial preemptive measure to safeguard the community. He noted that other communities have experienced problems related to data centers, and East Deer Township intends to avoid such issues. Neighboring Gilpin Township Supervisors are also scheduled to vote on a similar zoning ordinance amendment on August 4.