West Rockhill considers these new data center regulations

West Rockhill Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is actively developing a new zoning ordinance to regulate data center developments. The proposed ordinance would establish data centers as a special exception use within the "PI - Planned Industrial" district, setting forth definitions and specific regulations for such facilities within the township. The consideration of this ordinance comes after an informal sketch plan for a data center at 215 Cathill Road in Sellersville was presented to township planners last fall. Applicants National Land Developers and Greener by Design identified the 150,000-200,000-square-foot facility site as optimal due to its proximity to power infrastructure, highway access, and industrial zoning, which they claim would limit residential impact. The proposed facility is expected to employ approximately 18 individuals across three shifts. However, the prospect of data center development has generated significant community concern. Multiple residents have voiced opposition to the project, citing potential negative impacts related to noise, light pollution, and water usage. West Rockhill supervisors have scheduled a public hearing on the proposed ordinance for April 15 at 7 p.m. in the township's municipal building in Sellersville.