County revises data center ordinance

Chambersburg, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners on April 8 released a revised proposed amendment to the county’s subdivision and land development ordinance. This amendment aims to establish parameters, standards, and regulations for potential data center development within Franklin County. The revisions to the ordinance include updated requirements for solar and nuclear alternative energy sources, a new requirement concerning the impact on agricultural irrigation, and changes to the financial security requirements for data center decommissioning. The county's stated goals for the amendment are to promote smart growth, protect natural resources and valuable farmland, safeguard residents' health and welfare, and preserve local community character by mitigating potential negative consequences of data center development. The revised document is available for public review online, at the commissioners' office, and at the Franklin County Law Library. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback during a public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 28 at the Franklin County Administration Building, which will also be livestreamed on the county’s YouTube channel. Written feedback can also be submitted through a public comment form. The Franklin County Commissioners are expected to vote on the amendment at their public meeting on May 20, which will commence at 6:30 p.m. at the county's administration building.