North Whitehall Township amends zoning ordinance for data centers
North Whitehall Township supervisors unanimously approved an amendment to their zoning ordinance, restricting data centers to the ME/I zoning district. The changes also include increased setback requirements and strengthened noise regulations for future data center developments, following feedback from residents and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
North Whitehall Township's Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an amendment to its zoning ordinance on May 11, introducing stricter regulations for data center developments. The revisions, developed after feedback from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and township residents, will limit data centers exclusively to the Mineral Extraction and Industrial (ME/I) zoning district, removing the Light Industrial Business district as a permissible location.
Additionally, the approved amendment mandates increased setback requirements and strengthens noise regulations for any future data center projects within the township. This regulatory action aims to establish a more controlled framework for data center expansion and mitigate potential impacts on the community.