Townships say state law limits the ability to ban data centers as zoning debates grow

Across south-central Pennsylvania, discussions around data center development are prompting significant resident pushback, while local officials struggle to update rules and protections. Township leaders, as reported by Fox 43's Sydney Nauman, indicate that simply banning these facilities is not an option under existing Pennsylvania law, forcing municipalities to decide where data centers can be built and how strictly they should be regulated. In East Manchester Township, York County, Board of Supervisors Chairman David Naylor confirmed that new zoning rules are being drafted for data centers, despite no specific development proposals yet. Naylor explained that Pennsylvania's "Fair Share" law makes it illegal for townships to outright ban necessary industrial uses, leaving local leaders with the task of designating suitable areas and ensuring strict construction standards. Resident Courtney Fixmer, whose property is near a potential data center site, has initiated a community petition. She voiced concerns about increased truck traffic, noise, lighting, and the loss of farmland and open space, emphasizing a desire to protect the community's quality of life rather than oppose technology itself. The proposed zoning changes in East Manchester Township are currently under review and will be publicly discussed again on April 8th, offering residents another opportunity to engage in the decision-making process.