Limerick updates data center zoning ordinances
Limerick Township supervisors unanimously adopted stricter zoning amendments for data centers, including increased setbacks, reduced height, annual noise studies, and closed-loop cooling systems. Residents appreciated the changes but urged for even more restrictive measures, citing concerns about saturation, noise, water withdrawal, and heat island effects. The new rules will not apply to two already proposed data center projects.
Limerick Township supervisors in Pennsylvania have unanimously adopted amendments to their zoning ordinance for data centers, making regulations more restrictive than the previous 2024 version. These changes, which draw inspiration from Loudoun County, Virginia, and model ordinances from Montgomery County and the Pennsylvania Town of Shamokin, will not apply to two existing hyperscale data center projects already under consideration.
Key updates include limiting data centers to heavy industrial and limited light industrial zones, requiring proximity to specific intersections, reducing maximum building height from 129 to 80 feet, and mandating screening for rooftop equipment. Setback requirements from residential properties have increased from 400 feet (reducible to 200 feet) to 1,000 feet (reducible to 500 feet) if sound can be mitigated. The new ordinance also mandates annual noise studies and requires any future data centers to use closed-loop cooling systems, provide drought plans, and detail wastewater disposal. Additionally, data centers must submit decommissioning plans, including a fund worth 110% of demolition costs, updated every five years.
During a public hearing, approximately 10 residents expressed appreciation for the township's efforts but stressed the need for even stronger protections. Residents like Christine Dziembowski, Stephanie Schlegel, and Tammy Hsipto argued that the new 1,000-foot setback was insufficient, advocating for 1,500 feet and stricter limits on water withdrawal. Concerns were also raised about the "heat island" effect and the inadequacy of a $500 daily fine for violations. Supervisor Patrick Morroney acknowledged the ordinance as a "work in progress," with further updates expected by September or October.