Radnor is weighing strict regulations on data centers as the facilities crop up across Pa.
Radnor Township commissioners advanced a preliminary ordinance that would limit data centers to two office-park districts and impose requirements for noise, heat, water, power, and environmental impacts. The rules are still being developed and will undergo public and governmental review before a formal vote.
Radnor Township commissioners advanced a preliminary zoning ordinance to regulate future data center development, although no data center projects are currently proposed in the township. The draft would restrict facilities to two laboratory-office districts and require conditional-use approval from commissioners.
The proposed rules would require developers to submit water, thermal-impact, and power-feasibility studies, use air-based or closed-loop cooling systems, meet environmental standards, and provide a $100,000 remediation deposit. Radnor Zoning Officer Megan Donovin said the goal is to keep development limited and preserve local control. The ordinance remains subject to revisions and feedback from officials, residents, and township boards before a final vote.