Centre County municipality updates zoning ordinance to address potential data center development
Penn Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania, has passed a zoning ordinance to restrict data center development, with Patton Township also updating its rules. This proactive local government action comes as Governor Shapiro issued an executive order aimed at giving local leaders more input and making it harder for data centers to be built statewide. Officials are concerned about the necessary infrastructure, particularly the electric grid.
Penn Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania, has enacted a new zoning ordinance effectively prohibiting data center development within its borders. This proactive measure, described by Township Manager Amy Farkas, is aimed at gaining control before any data center proposals emerge. Patton Township, which shares a zoning implementation agreement with College Township, is also updating its ordinance to direct potential data center proposals to College Township for consideration.
Ms. Farkas noted that while Patton Township has ample water resources, the electric grid infrastructure might not be sufficient to support a data center. This local action follows a statewide executive order issued by Governor Josh Shapiro, which aims to empower local communities by making it more challenging to build data centers in Pennsylvania and granting local leaders greater input on development projects. Township officials appreciate the Governor's move, viewing it as a way to return control to their communities.