Franklin County approves data center ordinance after months of public debate
Franklin County Commissioners unanimously approved new regulations for data center development after months of public debate and over 100 public comments. The ordinance, an amendment to the county's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, establishes standards for future projects in non-zoned municipalities, with officials and residents acknowledging it as a starting point that can be refined over time. Key concerns addressed during the process included farmland protection, water resource preservation, and energy demands.
The Franklin County Commissioners in Pennsylvania have unanimously adopted new regulations for data center development, concluding months of public hearings and incorporating over 100 public comments. This amendment to the county's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) establishes crucial standards for data center projects, particularly impacting municipalities within the county that currently lack their own zoning regulations.
Commissioner John Flannery highlighted the extensive public process, while both commissioners and residents, including Jacob Reed and Peters Township resident John Redmond, described the ordinance as a necessary but evolving framework. Redmond specifically voiced concerns about potential strain on local water supplies, particularly in Mercersburg.
The new rules aim to provide a foundational structure for development while also allowing for future revisions as the data center industry advances and local needs change. Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst directed county staff to review the regulations bi-annually to ensure they remain relevant and effective. The consensus among officials and the community is that establishing these regulations now is preferable to delaying action in pursuit of a perfect solution, especially given ongoing concerns about environmental impacts, water usage, and energy demands.