Slocum Twp. considers revised zoning ordinance

The Slocum Township planning commission recently voted to recommend a comprehensive revised zoning ordinance to the township supervisors, updating a code last modified in 1986. This proposed ordinance, under development for two years, crucially includes specific provisions for data centers, data center accessory structures, power substations, and campuses. These facilities would be restricted to I-1 industrial zones and designated as a conditional use, requiring approval from township supervisors after review by the planning commission. A significant challenge identified is the current lack of designated industrial districts on the township zoning map, which supervisors would need to address if they approve the revised code. The ordinance outlines various requirements for data centers, consistent with other local regulations, addressing setbacks, buffering, noise, water usage and source, electricity usage and source, environmental impact, standby generator testing, fuel storage, and emissions. Unique aspects of Slocum’s proposed ordinance include a mandatory minimum $5 million bond from applicants to cover the costs of installing or upgrading necessary water supply infrastructure, with potential for higher amounts based on impact studies. Furthermore, the code comprehensively addresses data center decommissioning, requiring a plan prepared by a qualified professional at the initial application stage. This plan must detail safe shutdown, equipment removal, material disposal/recycling, and site restoration. Applicants must also post a financial security, such as a bond or escrow, to fully cover decommissioning and restoration costs, subject to biannual review and adjustment. Decommissioning must commence within one year of operations ceasing or abandonment, and be completed within 18 months, ensuring sites are restored to a condition compatible with surrounding land uses, with all hazardous materials properly disposed of and structures removed.