Butler Twp. cancels hearing on data center ordinance, plans to adopt curative amendment

The Butler Township Board of Supervisors has approved a resolution declaring its current zoning ordinance invalid regarding data centers, as it lacks specific definitions and regulations for such facilities. This action allows the board to pursue a municipal curative amendment to establish comprehensive data center regulations. The original hearing for a proposed ordinance was canceled, replaced by this resolution, which was recommended by the planning commission on May 11. The resolution also institutes a 180-day limited moratorium. During this period, the township will not be required to process any zoning permit applications, approvals, or landowner curative amendments related to data centers or their accessory uses. Board solicitor Donald Karpowich stated that this moratorium provides the planning commission sufficient time to draft a more comprehensive data center ordinance. Residents interested in providing input on the curative amendment are encouraged to attend upcoming planning commission meetings, with the next one scheduled for June 1 at 5:30 p.m.