Norristown to advertise data center ordinance
Norristown Municipal Council has authorized the advertisement of a new ordinance to regulate data centers by conditional use in the Heavy Industrial District. This action follows regional proposals and adoptions of similar ordinances in Bucks and Montgomery counties, driven by concerns over environmental impacts, electricity, and water usage. The ordinance aims to protect the town and its citizens from potential negative effects of data center development.
The Norristown Municipal Council has taken a significant step towards regulating data center development within its borders, authorizing the advertisement of a new ordinance following a 5-0 vote during a May 19 work session. The proposed ordinance seeks to establish conditional use regulations for data centers in the municipality's Heavy Industrial District, reflecting a growing trend among municipalities in Bucks and Montgomery counties to set parameters for future data center projects.
Norristown Municipal Council President Rashaad Bates and Councilwoman Jasmine Griffen underscored the necessity of such regulations, citing the rapid pace of technological advancements in artificial intelligence and the potential impacts of data centers on local electricity, water resources, wildlife, and overall quality of life. The move is described as 'preemptive' by Norristown Solicitor Sean Kilkenny, who noted that while a full moratorium on data centers is not legally possible in Pennsylvania, strict, reasonable zoning restrictions can be implemented.
The ordinance's development was influenced by planning guidance from Chester and Montgomery counties and addresses various aspects including building sizes, usage, construction, aesthetics, decibel rates, electricity and environmental impacts, decommissioning plans with financial guarantees, and air quality. This action comes amid active community opposition to data center developments in neighboring areas, such as Plymouth Township, where developer Brian O'Neill of MLP Ventures faced setbacks with a proposed 2 million-square-foot data center project due to strong resident objections and a subsequently withdrawn application.