Lower Saucon Planners Discuss Ordinance That Could Regulate Data Centers

The Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission held a meeting to discuss a draft data center ordinance that would regulate where and under what conditions data centers can be located in the township. Township Solicitor Steve Goudsouzian explained that the proposed ordinance is a proactive effort by the township to get ahead of the growing data center industry in the Lehigh Valley region. The draft ordinance was modeled after an ordinance from another municipality in the Poconos and was also being reviewed by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. The commission discussed several key provisions, including increasing setbacks from residential areas, expanding the definition of "sensitive receptors," aligning noise restrictions with the township's existing code, addressing backup generator testing noise, and requiring documentation of adequate water supply. They also discussed recommendations for closed-loop cooling systems and LEED certification. After their review, the commission voted unanimously to forward the draft ordinance with their recommendations to the Township Council, with the goal of the Council passing the ordinance by April. The commission also announced an upcoming LVPC event to gather public feedback on the township's future development.