Adding data center regulations to comprehensive plan
The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission in Pennsylvania is considering an amendment to its subdivision and land development ordinance to add regulations for data centers. This move aims to prevent unzoned municipalities from being vulnerable to uncontrolled data center growth by establishing standards for noise, buffers, and setbacks. If approved by the commission, the amendment will proceed to the Mercer County Commissioners for a public hearing and comment period.
The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission in Pennsylvania is discussing a proposed amendment to the county's subdivision and land development ordinance to introduce regulations for data centers. The initiative seeks to protect unzoned municipalities within the county from uncontrolled data center development, as these areas currently lack specific local zoning laws and rely on the county's comprehensive plan.
The proposed amendment aims to establish clear standards for data centers, covering aspects such as noise levels, buffer zones, and setbacks. According to Langel, a representative of the planning commission, municipalities that already have their own zoning ordinances would still retain the final say on their local regulations, provided they align with state code, which cannot be made stronger than the state's provisions.
The planning commission is not the final authority on these changes. If the amendment is approved during its Tuesday night meeting, it will then be forwarded to the Mercer County Commissioners. The Commissioners will subsequently hold a public hearing and implement a 45-day public comment period before the data center amendment can be officially enacted.