Hatfield invokes zoning protections while drafting data center regulations
Hatfield Township Commissioners approved a municipal curative amendment to address shortcomings in their zoning regulations for data centers and energy generation systems. This action gives the township six months to develop new, protective zoning language. The goal is to prevent vulnerability to data center applications while the ordinance is being perfected.
Hatfield Township Commissioners unanimously approved a municipal curative amendment during a swift five-minute meeting, initiating a six-month period to revise its zoning regulations pertaining to data centers and energy generation systems.
Solicitor Christen Pionzio explained that this "self-cure" process formally declares parts of the township's current zoning ordinance as substantively invalid for these uses. The move allows Hatfield Township to craft more robust and protective zoning language under the protections of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, aiming to prevent the immediate filing of data center applications while the new ordinance is being developed.
The resolution tasks the township planner, zoning officer, manager, assistant manager, solicitor, engineer, and other consultants with preparing the necessary amendments. This proactive measure, recommended by township staff and the Planning and Zoning Committee, underscores the township's intent to strengthen its regulatory framework for data center development.