Scranton moving ahead with enacting regulations on potential data centers
Scranton is considering zoning regulations for potential data centers, although no proposals have been submitted and the ordinances remain tabled. The proposed rules would allow only small data centers in designated industrial areas and impose limits on size, power use, noise, water consumption, environmental impacts and supporting infrastructure.
Scranton officials are working to finalize regulations for potential data centers before two proposed zoning ordinances expire at the end of the year. The ordinances, introduced by Mayor Paige Cognetti in March, remain tabled while city officials review legal and policy considerations, including state legislation and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order on data centers.
The proposed framework would make data centers a conditional use within a Technology and Energy Overlay District, limited to industrial areas and excluding residential neighborhoods. It would permit facilities of up to 2 megawatts while prohibiting larger hyperscale projects, and would require city approval, environmental and community impact studies, stormwater plans, decommissioning plans, water conservation measures, renewable energy requirements, noise and setback limits, and emergency-response training.
Cognetti said she has worked with residents across Lackawanna County who oppose potentially reckless data center development and argued that safeguards are needed to protect the environment and quality of life. City officials and consultant Environmental Planning & Design discussed the proposal with Scranton City Council, which has yet to adopt the regulations or create the overlay map.