Chambersburg Borough and Franklin County Address Data Center Zoning
Chambersburg Borough and Franklin County in Pennsylvania are actively addressing zoning regulations for data centers, driven by local concerns and the county's recent ordinance update. This local activity is set against a backdrop of potential federal legislation that could preempt state and local control over AI and data center development. Officials are working to amend local zoning codes to prevent potential loopholes for developers.
Chambersburg Borough and Franklin County, Pennsylvania, are proactively discussing and updating their zoning regulations in anticipation of potential data center development. Franklin County Commissioners recently updated their Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to include details specific to data centers, urging local municipalities to align their codes.
Residents pressed the Chambersburg Borough Council on the approval of a data center ordinance. Borough Manager Jeffrey Stonehill confirmed that the Planning and Zoning Commission has been diligently working on a comprehensive new zoning code for Chambersburg, which will explicitly address AI data centers. Attorney Clint Barkdoll highlighted a potential loophole, noting that while boroughs have zoning ordinances, many are currently silent on data centers, leaving them vulnerable to developers before amendments are made. Antrim Township is also formalizing its data center regulations.
Adding another layer of complexity, attorney Clint Barkdoll also mentioned recent reports from Axios indicating that former President Donald Trump is attempting to negotiate federal legislation to override all state and local Artificial Intelligence laws, including those pertaining to data centers. Barkdoll and local commentator Michele Jansen of News Talk 103.7FM expressed concerns about this federal preemption, advocating for the importance of local and state governments retaining control over such developments, balancing national needs with community interests.