Upper Gwynedd becomes latest township to work to get data center rules on the books

Upper Gwynedd Township in Pennsylvania is moving forward with a draft ordinance to establish clear rules for data center development, becoming the latest municipality in the region to address this emerging land use. Attorney Greg Heleniak presented the draft to the township's commissioners on April 7, explaining that current codes lack specific provisions for data centers, necessitating new regulations. The proposed ordinance would permit data centers in the township's limited industrial district, provided they are on properties of at least four acres and maintain a 200-foot setback from residential areas. A key requirement is a utility impact study to ensure no adverse effects on the availability or cost of electricity and water for residents. The draft also includes a sound regulation, limiting noise from data centers to 60 decibels at the property boundary, consistent with existing nighttime noise limits. While no public or commissioner comments were made during the presentation, Township Manager Sandra Brookley Zadell confirmed that the board plans to vote on advertising the draft during its April 13 meeting, with final adoption potentially occurring in May. Nearby municipalities, including East and West Rockhill, Towamencin, Falls Township, and Limerick Township, have also been discussing or implementing data center regulations, highlighting a regional trend.