S. Annville authorizes solicitor to draft zoning ordinance to regulate data centers
South Annville Township supervisors have authorized their solicitor to draft a new zoning ordinance specifically to regulate data centers. This action is pending decisions in the state Legislature regarding House Bill 2496, which would allow municipalities a 180-day pause on new data center developments to update their zoning. The drafted ordinance will undergo review by county and township planning commissions before a public hearing and a final vote by supervisors.
The South Annville Township supervisors in Pennsylvania have unanimously voted to authorize their solicitor, Josele Cleary, to begin drafting a new zoning ordinance specifically aimed at regulating data centers. This decision is influenced by ongoing legislative activity at the state level concerning a potential pause on data center development.
The proposed state legislation, House Bill 2496, has passed the state House by a vote of 201-1 and is awaiting consideration in the state Senate. If enacted, this bill would empower municipalities to implement a 180-day moratorium on new data center development proposals, providing a crucial window for local governments to update their zoning ordinances to address data center specific concerns.
Following its drafting, the proposed zoning ordinance will be submitted to both the Lebanon County Planning Department and the South Annville Township Planning Commission for thorough review and recommendations. After this review period, the supervisors will conduct a public hearing to gather community input before proceeding to a final vote on the ordinance. Residents are encouraged to submit recommendations via email to township staff or provide input during the planning commission meeting and public hearing.