County weighs data center rules as Clarion borough ordinance takes effect
Clarion Borough has adopted new zoning rules to regulate data center construction, confining them to commercial/industrial districts and addressing concerns like electricity, water, and noise. Meanwhile, Clarion County officials are still studying potential county-wide land-development regulations for data centers, with recommendations expected by year-end.
Clarion Borough has officially enacted Ordinance No. 2025-851, which introduces specific zoning regulations for "Data Infrastructure Facilities." This new rule permits data centers only within the CI Commercial and Industrial Zoning District, targeting areas like the former Owens-Illinois glass plant site along Grand Avenue, which has existing industrial infrastructure and is being redeveloped as the GlassWorks Business Park. The ordinance aims to prevent data centers from being built in residential areas and places restrictions on common impacts such as electricity demand, water use, noise, lighting, stormwater management, and decommissioning.
Conversely, Clarion County has not yet adopted a countywide ordinance for data centers. The Clarion County Planning Commission is currently discussing updates to the county's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to address data-center-specific concerns. Planning Director Kristi Amato has indicated that a committee will be formed to develop recommendations, potentially by the end of the year. Any proposed changes would require review by county commissioners and a period for public comment before adoption. The county's existing SALDO applies to municipalities without their own land-development ordinances, meaning rules for data centers currently vary across the county.