Upper Dauphin community considers ordinance to regulate data centers

The Gratz Borough Council in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania is considering adopting an ordinance to regulate data centers within the borough. The proposed ordinance would add definitions for data centers and establish regulations on where they can be located, as well as requirements related to setbacks, noise levels, and protecting agricultural areas. Under the new rules, data centers would only be permitted in areas zoned as industrial or within a new overlay district called the Industrial-Agricultural Data Center Overlay District. This overlay district would allow data centers in areas containing a mix of agricultural and light industrial activity, in order to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses while protecting agricultural operations, residential areas, and natural resources. The amendment would require a recommendation from the Gratz Planning Commission and approval by the Borough Council to designate parcels within the new overlay district. The only area currently zoned for industrial use in the borough is the MI Windows and Doors plant and the adjacent Sunny Hollow Fabrication plant.