Tyrone looking to ban data centers over 60 megawatts
Tyrone Township is developing an ordinance that would prohibit data centers requiring more than 60 megawatts and require special-land-use approval for smaller facilities. The draft also addresses noise, water, electricity, fire protection, hazardous materials, decommissioning and compliance reporting, while an existing moratorium is expected to block new data center applications until late February or early March.
Tyrone Township officials are drafting regulations that would ban Class C data centers using more than 60 megawatts of power and subject smaller facilities to special-land-use approval, annual licensing and continuing compliance requirements. The proposal is being developed as the township considers how to address noise, vibration, water and wastewater, electricity consumption, battery storage, fire protection, hazardous materials and site decommissioning.
The Planning Commission took no formal action at its Oct. 13 meeting. A subcommittee led by Commissioner Mike Amberg is continuing its work, with a revised draft expected in November and possible legal review in December. The ordinance would still require a public hearing, county review and final action by the Tyrone Township Board; officials also said the township's current moratorium prevents data center applications until approximately late February or early March.