Lehman Twp. adopts data-center regulations
Lehman Township, Pennsylvania, has adopted new zoning regulations for data centers, introducing strict rules on size, noise, aesthetics, and utility use. The amendment, a result of a six-month process, aims to proactively prepare the township for potential data center development, despite no current projects being proposed. Community members and local politicians widely praised the new ordinance.
Lehman Township, Pennsylvania, has enacted new zoning regulations for data center development, a move celebrated by residents and community advocates. The Lehman Twp. Board of Supervisors amended its zoning ordinance to include a new section that imposes strict rules on data centers regarding their size, noise levels, aesthetic impact, and use of public utilities.
The new regulations are the outcome of a six-month municipal curative-amendment process, a procedure often involving a temporary moratorium to update zoning laws for new types of land use. David Sutton, an assistant secretary to the township supervisors, stated that while no data center projects are currently proposed, the township is being proactive. The ordinance sets a maximum height of 60 feet, requires a 1,000-foot setback from residential zones and other sensitive areas, and mandates landscape buffers.
Key environmental and operational restrictions include a prohibition on drawing groundwater for cooling, requiring closed-loop systems, and mandating that normal operations draw power from public utilities, with onsite power generation (excluding roof-mounted solar) also prohibited. Noise limits were set at 45 dBA during the day and 40 dBA at night, and light pollution is capped at 0.5 foot-candles for adjacent properties. Developers must also submit emergency management and decommissioning plans, backed by escrowed funds.
A public hearing held at Lake-Lehman High School saw positive reception from about three dozen community members. State Rep. Jamie Walsh (R-117) and Democratic state House nominees Jeremy Benscoter and Fern Leard all commended the township for its comprehensive approach, with Benscoter's suggestions even leading to a reduction in maximum allowable noise limits before the final vote. Walsh, however, cautioned the township to remain prepared for potential developer pressure to alter zoning codes.