Pine Creek Township Considers Data Center Zoning Amendment

Pine Creek Township, Pennsylvania, is proactively considering an amendment to its zoning ordinance to specifically classify data centers as a conditional use within its Industrial Zoning District. Supervisor Dave Winkleman, Jr. stated this move is not tied to any specific project or developer, but rather a routine function under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to ensure the ordinance is current, clear, and legally defensible. The township aims to avoid a reactive situation like that faced by nearby Gregg Township in Union County, where residents opposed proposed data centers by PNK Group, leading to a curative amendment challenge. The supervisors are looking to establish defined standards to manage potential impacts, including water usage, power demand, noise, and land impact. Solicitor Thom Rosamilia emphasized that without such an amendment, the township risks losing control over where data centers could be built, potentially allowing them in residential zones under current regulations. By amending the ordinance, Pine Creek Township can impose specific conditions like setbacks, buffering, and infrastructure coordination, protecting residents and avoiding exclusionary zoning challenges from developers. This proactive approach seeks to provide "guide rails" for future developments and minimize negative impacts on the community, learning from the experiences of other municipalities statewide that are also navigating data center development. Winkleman concluded that ignoring emerging land uses increases the likelihood of reduced local control and increased legal exposure in the future.