Montgomery Township advances data center ordinance for planning review
Montgomery Township is moving forward with a draft ordinance to regulate data center development, which includes restricting facilities to an industrial zone and imposing strict operational and environmental standards. The proposed ordinance has been authorized for review by the township and county planning commissions. This proactive measure aims to protect residents and comply with state law, as no data center applications have been submitted yet.
Montgomery Township has taken a significant step toward regulating potential data center development by authorizing a draft ordinance for review by its own planning commission and the Montgomery County Planning Commission. The township's current zoning ordinance lacks specific provisions for data centers, prompting supervisors earlier this year to declare it substantively invalid for this use and direct staff to prepare new regulations.
The proposed ordinance aims to restrict data centers to the township's Limited Industrial zoning district, imposing stringent operational and environmental requirements. Key requirements address noise levels, water consumption, wastewater disposal, thermal impacts, and decommissioning plans. During discussions, officials recommended reducing a proposed residential setback from 1,000 feet to 450 feet to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code, which requires municipalities to provide for legitimate land uses, and to avoid an overly restrictive ordinance that could be legally challenged. Solicitor Sean Kilkenny advised on this adjustment, noting the revised setback still significantly limits data center locations.
Township leaders emphasized that this initiative is a proactive effort to protect residents and adhere to state law, as no data center applications have been submitted to date. The draft will now undergo review by both planning commissions before returning to supervisors for possible advertisement and public comment. Local business owner Jay Washeski expressed approval during public comment, commending the township's proactive yet flexible approach.