Bethlehem City Council OKs data center regulations
Bethlehem City Council approved zoning text amendments establishing rules for data centers in the city. The changes define data centers, allow them as special exceptions in industrial districts, and impose application, setback and sensitive-receptor requirements.
Bethlehem City Council approved zoning text amendments governing data center development within the city. The amendments define a data center and permit such facilities as special exceptions in industrial zoning districts, subject to case-by-case review by the Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board.
The rules require applicants to submit plans, studies, evaluations and mitigation strategies with their applications. They also establish setbacks of at least 200 feet from certain rights-of-way and nonindustrial lots, and 1,000 feet from residentially zoned lots or properties containing sensitive receptors such as schools, daycares, parks, hospitals and community recreation centers. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance was scheduled for Oct. 6.