Millcreek Township eyes regulations for data centers
Millcreek Township in Pennsylvania is proposing new zoning amendments to regulate data centers, allowing them only in industrial districts as a conditional use. This move aims to control potential impacts such as noise, vibration, and significant water and electricity consumption. The proposed changes are scheduled for review by the Planning Commission and potential adoption by township supervisors in early August.
Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania, is advancing a proposal to amend its zoning regulations to specifically address data centers within its boundaries. Matt Waldinger, the Millcreek planning and development director, emphasized that the intention behind these proposed rules is not to actively attract data centers but to establish a regulatory framework should they seek to locate in the township.
The current zoning code in Millcreek Township does not list data centers as either a permitted or conditional use, meaning they could theoretically be placed anywhere due to state law preventing outright prohibition of legal land uses. The proposed amendments aim to designate data centers as a conditional use, restricted exclusively to industrial districts. Specifically, data centers under 50,000 square feet would be permitted in light industrial zones, while larger facilities would be relegated to heavy industrial areas, generally located along major commercial corridors.
These regulations are driven by concerns observed in other communities regarding the significant noise, vibration, and extensive water and electricity demands of data centers. Conditional use approval for any proposed data center would necessitate compliance with specific township conditions, in addition to existing development regulations covering aspects like stormwater management and parking.
The Millcreek Township Planning Commission is slated to review these proposed zoning changes on August 4. If endorsed by the planners, the amendments will then proceed for consideration and potential adoption by the township supervisors on August 11.