Here's what Lancaster County municipalities are doing about data center regulation
Lancaster County municipalities are increasingly developing local regulations for data centers, addressing environmental impacts like noise and water usage. At least three townships have already adopted new zoning rules, while others are proposing or discussing similar ordinances. This movement aims to proactively manage data center development and avoid potential lawsuits related to land use.
A growing number of municipalities in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are enacting or proposing local regulations to address the environmental impacts of data centers. According to LNP | LancasterOnline, leaders in ten municipalities held public discussions in 2026 alone about adding data center rules to their zoning ordinances, with at least three already adopting them.
The regulations typically limit data centers to specific industrial or commercial zones and impose restrictions on noise levels, water usage, and air quality. Michael Helbing, an Adjunct Professor of Law at Penn State, noted that Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code grants significant zoning authority to municipalities. However, state law prohibits outright bans on legitimate land uses, and municipalities risk lawsuits from developers if they attempt to do so.
The Lancaster County Planning Commission has issued a guide to assist municipalities in developing these regulations, anticipating an increase in data center proposals due to rising demand for AI and cloud services. Examples of adopted rules include Manor Township's ordinance, which allows data centers on 30-plus acre industrial parcels with height and noise limits. Ephrata Township and Penn Township have also passed rules covering noise, water usage, and requiring decommissioning plans or developer submissions for environmental impacts.
Several other municipalities are in various stages of proposing or discussing regulations. Lancaster city's proposed ordinance is set for a public hearing on June 24. Columbia Borough Council will discuss new rules on June 23 and previously rejected a bid for borough land from a potential data center developer. Rapho Township, Pequea Township, Colerain Township, East Cocalico Township, and Drumore Township are all actively working on or considering amendments to their zoning ordinances, focusing on aspects like public water service, energy consumption reporting, and closed-loop cooling systems.