New Britain Township begins writing data center rules amid rapidly changing AI landscape
New Britain Township is initiating a months-long process to draft and implement a new zoning ordinance that will define and regulate data centers within its jurisdiction. This proactive measure is in response to a county recommendation for municipalities to prepare for increasing data center interest. The process will involve public discussions and consideration of various restrictions like setbacks, height, and suitable zoning districts.
New Britain Township has embarked on a detailed six-month process to revise its zoning ordinance, aiming to establish clear definitions and regulations for data centers. The initiative, triggered by a declaration from the township supervisors in August, seeks to proactively address the growing demand for data centers. Township Manager Nick Valla clarified that this step is about preparation and legal compliance—creating a framework for data centers if they propose development, rather than actively soliciting their presence.
Key discussions are scheduled through early 2027, involving the Board of Supervisors, the Township Planning Commission, and the Environmental Advisory Council. The process will address the basic framework of a potential ordinance, including setbacks, height restrictions, building and lot sizes, and which zoning districts could accommodate data center use. Township planner Judy Stern Goldstein, experienced in similar efforts for other municipalities, is spearheading the initiative.
This local regulatory effort aligns with guidance from the Bucks County Planning Commission, which has identified data centers as a critical emerging land-use issue driven by the expansion of cloud computing and artificial intelligence. County planners recommend that municipalities treat data centers as a distinct land use, considering specific impacts such as water consumption, noise, light, buffers, and infrastructure requirements, and establishing regulations before development applications arrive.
The local zoning discussions unfold against a backdrop of broader warnings from prominent AI industry leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, about the rapid pace of AI development and the need for enhanced safety measures. Former Google DeepMind researcher Bilal Chughtai also voiced concerns about AI's potential existential risks. These warnings underscore the technological advancements driving the demand for the data centers that New Britain Township is now preparing to regulate.