Townships say state law limits ability to ban data centers as zoning debates grow

Discussions surrounding data center development have been prominent across south-central Pennsylvania, leading to pushback from residents and local officials drafting new regulations. Township leaders, like those in York County, state that Pennsylvania law, specifically the Municipalities Planning Code and the "fair share" doctrine, prevents communities from outright banning data centers. This legal framework mandates that municipalities must designate areas for legitimate land uses, including industrial developments such as data centers. Consequently, local officials are faced with determining suitable locations and strict regulations rather than preventing their construction altogether. In East Manchester Township, Board of Supervisors Chairman David Naylor highlighted that officials are proactively drafting specific zoning rules for data centers, even without a formal proposal from a developer. Naylor noted that the township's existing industrial areas are already built out, potentially requiring them to consider residential or agricultural land for future data center sites. Resident Courtney Fixmer initiated a community petition, expressing concerns about increased truck traffic, noise, lighting, and the loss of farmland and open space should data centers be built near neighborhoods. Fixmer emphasized that the petition is pro-community and pro-transparency, aiming to ensure residents are involved in the decision-making process. The proposed zoning changes in East Manchester Township are still under review and are scheduled for public discussion on April 8. Naylor believes this proactive approach is crucial, as communities that delay addressing data center development may have fewer options as demand for these facilities continues to grow nationwide.