East Hempfield halts data center applications as regulations are drafted
East Hempfield Township supervisors have enacted a 180-day moratorium on new data center applications. This pause will allow the township to draft new zoning ordinances that specifically address data centers, as current rules are considered insufficient.
The East Hempfield Township board of supervisors has unanimously approved a 180-day pause on all new data center applications, effective September 2. This decision was made after supervisors adopted two resolutions, the first on August 19 and the second on September 2, to allow time for the development of new regulatory language.
Township Manager Cindy Schweitzer noted on August 19 that the existing zoning rules are inadequate as they do not cover data centers and their associated infrastructure. Chair Bob Johnson emphasized the importance of this moratorium, stating it provides the township with necessary time to develop a comprehensive ordinance to regulate data center development.