Butler. Twp. supervisors to consider data center ordinance on Oct. 13
Butler Township supervisors plan to vote on Oct. 13 on a proposed ordinance regulating data centers in the township’s industrial zone. The rules would impose requirements for power and water use, environmental and technical studies, setbacks, noise, height, cooling systems and decommissioning, although no developer has submitted a permit application.
Butler Township supervisors are scheduled to consider a 50-page curative amendment to the zoning code that would establish rules for future data centers. The proposed ordinance would limit facilities to industrial-zoned parcels of at least 25 acres and require special-exception approval, extensive impact studies, substantial setbacks from homes and sensitive uses, height limits and noise controls.
The regulations also address electricity, water, groundwater, mine subsidence, wetlands, environmental impacts, emergency planning and decommissioning. Planning commissioners said they received extensive public input while drafting the measure, but township officials said no data center developer has applied for a permit or made an inquiry. The supervisors’ vote is intended to proactively regulate the industry while avoiding rules that could effectively exclude data centers and invite legal challenges.