West Hempfield Township passes ordinance to regulate data center development
West Hempfield Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has unanimously approved a new land use ordinance to regulate future data center development. This ordinance limits the size of data centers and dictates how close they can be to residential and agricultural properties, following concerns raised by residents.
West Hempfield Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has unanimously approved a new land use ordinance aimed at regulating future data center development within the township. The ordinance specifically restricts the size of data centers and dictates how close they can be located to residential and agricultural properties.
The decision came after a public hearing where residents expressed concerns about data centers and urged the Board of Supervisors to strengthen the ordinance's language. Supervisors emphasized the importance of establishing legal "guiderails and safeguards" to prevent future challenges to the ordinance, acknowledging the legal complexities involved in drafting such regulations.
At present, there are no data center applications pending in West Hempfield Township. The township's Planning Commission is expected to consider future amendments to the ordinance.