Buffalo Twp. working on data center regulations
Buffalo Township supervisors approved sending a draft data center zoning ordinance to the Butler County Planning Commission for review. The township began a curative amendment process that effectively creates a six-month pause on data center proposals while officials develop rules addressing issues such as noise, buffering and screening.
Buffalo Township supervisors in Butler County approved forwarding a draft ordinance regulating future data center development to the Butler County Planning Commission. The review is required before the township can formally adopt the measure, which officials expect to do by December.
The township initiated a curative amendment process in August after determining its zoning ordinance did not adequately address data centers. The process gives officials 180 days to create new legislation and effectively prevents developers from pitching data center projects during that period. Township solicitor Brian Farrington said the draft is intended to address residents’ concerns, including noise, buffering and screening.