Murrysville will hold public hearing on regulations for data, solar
Murrysville officials are preparing to hold a public hearing on September 2nd for a proposed ordinance regulating data center development. The draft rules address zoning, noise, energy, and water usage, aiming to proactively manage potential impacts of these facilities. This ordinance will categorize data centers as a conditional use in specific business districts and impose detailed operational and design requirements.
Murrysville, Pennsylvania officials are set to conduct a public hearing on September 2, preceding their council meeting, to discuss a proposed ordinance specifically designed to regulate data center development within the municipality. Chief administrator Michael Nestico indicated that the Planning Commission began drafting the ordinance in May, aiming to establish clear guidelines rather than face uncertain future development.
The comprehensive draft ordinance outlines several key provisions. Data centers would be permitted as a conditional use exclusively within Murrysville’s business zoning district, primarily along the Route 22 corridor and other limited areas. The regulations mandate that noise-generating equipment within 300 feet of residential areas or public roads must be fully enclosed or screened. Developers would also be required to submit plans detailing energy and water minimization, provide documentation of power and water demands, and conduct feasibility studies for non-public water sources.
Additionally, the ordinance stipulates that data centers must employ "closed-loop" cooling technology unless an exemption is granted. It sets a maximum building height of 60 feet, imposes 150-foot setbacks from public streets, and requires a 50-foot landscape buffer. Emergency response plans and training for first responders are also mandated. The proposed ordinance also includes regulations for large-scale solar installations and apiaries.