Central Pa municipality amends zoning ordinance, targets possible future AI data center expansion
College Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania, has proactively amended its zoning ordinance to classify data centers as a conditional use. This change grants the municipality greater control over future AI data center developments. The move is inspiring other townships in Centre County, like Ferguson Township, to explore similar regulatory measures.
College Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania, has taken proactive steps to regulate the expansion of AI data centers by amending its zoning ordinance. This action makes College Township the first municipality in Centre County to approve such an amendment, specifically targeting data centers amidst ongoing discussions at the state level by Governor Shapiro's administration regarding AI data center regulation.
Under the amended ordinance, data centers, which are legally considered an "allowed use," will now fall under "conditional use." This change grants the College Township Council and the public more control over development proposals, enabling public discussions with developers and the application of specific controls and requirements that would not be possible under the previous "allowed use" classification.
The President of the Center County Association of Township Officials, Trainer, highlighted College Township's initiative, noting it has inspired the association to make data centers a key education topic for their upcoming spring convention. Mr. Salinas, the county planner, is expected to discuss how such regulations could be implemented at the county level. Ferguson Township is also reportedly researching similar amendments to its own zoning ordinance. These efforts are being made proactively, as no data center projects have yet been proposed for Centre County, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about developing state laws.