Oakmont council to consider data center regulations

Oakmont Borough Council is moving forward with a proposed ordinance to proactively regulate data centers within its borders, even though officials believe the borough lacks the necessary infrastructure and land for such facilities. Council President Nancy Ride stated the planning commission initiated the effort to be proactive. Borough Manager Scot Fodi highlighted the increasing debate over data centers in neighboring communities and nationally, underscoring the need for preemptive zoning. The proposed regulations would confine potential data centers to Oakmont's sole industrial zoning district, specifically along Allegheny Avenue, and would require data centers to be approved as a conditional use by the council. The ordinance was unanimously approved for advertisement, with a public hearing scheduled for June 16 during the council ’s monthly voting meeting. This action follows similar proactive measures recently passed in nearby Gilpin.