Swatara township passes data center, residential forest revision ordinance
The Swatara Township Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an ordinance that defines and regulates data centers within its industrial district. The new rules impose limitations on height, setbacks, buffers, and noise levels. This interim measure also requires sound studies, documentation from electric service providers, and traffic studies for future data center developments.
The Swatara Township Board of Supervisors in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, unanimously approved an ordinance on August 13 that establishes specific regulations for data centers within the township's industrial district. This decision followed a public hearing on the proposed revisions.
The new Ordinance 2026-03+ defines data centers and permits them as an allowed use in the industrial zone, subject to several restrictions. These include a maximum height of 35 feet, a 300-foot setback from residential areas, and a mandatory 25-foot landscape buffer. Additionally, developers must conduct both a pre-construction and as-built sound study to ensure compliance with a daytime noise limit of 67 decibels and a nighttime/weekend limit of 57 decibels.
The ordinance also mandates documentation from the electric service provider, a traffic study, and an emergency management plan. Swatara Township Solicitor Colleen Gallo noted that this ordinance is an interim measure designed to establish minimum requirements and confine data centers to industrial zones, as Pennsylvania municipalities lack the authority to ban them outright. The planning commission plans to continue exploring further data center regulations and adapt to potential state legislative changes.
Residents have expressed opposition to data centers due to concerns over utility usage and noise levels, despite the supervisors' move to regulate them.