College Twp. amends zoning ordinance, taking proactive approach against A.I. data centers
College Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania, has proactively amended its zoning ordinance to classify AI data centers as a conditional use. This change grants the township and its council greater control over potential data center developments and allows for public discussions with developers. This action comes as the state government also works on ways to regulate AI data centers.
College Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania, has taken a proactive stance on the regulation of AI data centers by amending its zoning ordinance, making it the first municipality in the county to do so. This move allows the township to exert more control over the development of data centers within its jurisdiction, classifying them under a 'conditional use' rather than an 'allowed use by right'. This means that any proposed data center projects will be subject to more extensive public discussions and specific requirements set by the township council.
Susan Trainor, president of the Centre County Association of Township Officials (CCATO) and a College Township council member, explained that the amendment was a response to anticipated legislative changes at the state level concerning AI data center regulation. The township's initiative has also inspired CCATO to dedicate its spring convention to educating other townships on similar zoning adjustments. Ferguson Township is now reportedly researching amendments to its own zoning ordinance.
While no data center projects have been proposed for Centre County yet, Trainor emphasized the importance of municipalities being well-informed and proactive to manage potential future developments effectively.