West Hempfield Township officials approve data center regulations, address QVC question
The West Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new ordinance establishing restrictive regulations for future data centers, including limits on size, height, sound, and a 1,000-foot setback from homes or farms. This decision followed significant public input from residents concerned about potential data center impacts, even though no specific project is currently proposed. The regulations are considered among the most restrictive in Pennsylvania.
The West Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, unanimously approved a stringent new ordinance regulating future data center developments on September 1. The decision was made following a packed public meeting at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center, where approximately 80 attendees, including residents from both West and East Hempfield Townships, voiced concerns and advocated for even tighter restrictions.
The newly adopted regulation imposes significant limitations on any potential data centers, capping their area at 120,000 square feet and height at 75 feet. It also includes strict rules regarding sound, light, and noise, and mandates a 1,000-foot buffer from any farm or home. Township Manager Andrew Stern stated that these provisions make it one of the most restrictive data center ordinances in Pennsylvania.
During public comment, residents like John French of Landisville urged specific decibel limits, while Nick Dennis of the township planning commission called for financial security and escrow clauses for projects. Julie Brioch raised concerns about groundwater use, an issue the current law addresses with a feasibility study requirement. Board Chair Ed Fisher clarified that no data center is currently proposed or planned, including for the former QVC center, which a holding company had purchased in 2020 with plans for a fulfillment center that were thwarted by litigation.
Columbia Democrat Brad Chambers, who previously led opposition to a failed data center bid in Columbia, expressed cautious optimism about the board's actions, noting that the ordinance reflects the concerns of constituents. Township Manager Andrew Stern confirmed the board took community input seriously, asserting the ordinance "is proof that we don’t fault them for being concerned; we took it seriously."