Franklin County Commissioners Consider Data Center Restrictions in Ordinances

Franklin County Commissioners recently held a public meeting in Chambersburg to discuss proactive measures regarding data center development within the county. The commissioners are considering amendments to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to introduce restrictions for companies looking to establish data centers, which are often large facilities with significant cooling and noise impacts. The discussion emphasized that while the county's SALDO could provide guardrails for municipalities lacking their own zoning ordinances, the primary power to regulate development rests with local townships and boroughs. Commissioner John Flannery highlighted that municipalities would be the first to know about permit inquiries, not the county, underscoring the need for local action. Chambersburg resident Herb Doloway urged citizens to engage at the township level, echoing the sentiment that local ordinances are crucial. Attorney Clint Barkdoll and local radio personalities, Michele Jansen and Pat Ryan, stressed the urgency of implementing regulations now, citing data center proposals in nearby Cumberland, York, and Dauphin counties. They warned against delays, noting that developers could move quickly to purchase land, making retroactive regulation difficult or impossible. Concerns about the potential for overly strict regulations leading to litigation were also raised, with Barkdoll suggesting a balanced approach. Commissioner Dean Horst expressed satisfaction with the public turnout and the educational impact of the meeting, which clarified the roles of county and municipal governments. He affirmed that the earliest a vote on the SALDO amendments could occur is May 20. Discussions also brought up Loudoun County, Virginia, as an example of a region overwhelmed by data centers due to insufficient local ordinances, highlighting the need for Franklin County to act decisively to avoid similar issues, particularly concerning energy and water resources.