Data centers, old comprehensive plan highlight Bethel Twp. planning session

The Bethel Township Planning Commission, serving Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, has initiated the process to develop a draft ordinance concerning data centers within the municipality. During an April 21 meeting, discussions highlighted the growing interest in data centers and the need for local regulations. Commission Chairman Dale Snader, along with Zoning Officer Jackie Hollenbach, cited a recent webinar attended by over 1,000 township officials on data center topics. Concerns were raised regarding data centers' immense power and water requirements, with Snader noting they "need nuclear power plants" due to their consumption. Hollenbach also pointed out that data centers are increasingly being designed to fit into smaller footprints, including agricultural districts and multi-story buildings in town centers. Supervisor Michael Saphore expressed a desire for a data center policy in the township's zoning codes "sooner rather than later" for protection. The commission discussed potential zoning approaches, including treating data centers as "special exceptions" or requiring "conditional use" permits. While a special exception would require compliance with predefined criteria, Commissioner Bruce Light voiced concern that special exceptions are "so easy for them to get." Hollenbach will research other ordinances, and the commission unanimously voted to add the draft data center ordinance to future meeting agendas.