Norristown Council Advances Ordinance Allowing Conditional Data Center Use in Industrial Zones
Norristown's council has voted to advertise an ordinance that would permit data centers as a conditional use in the municipality's Heavy Industrial zoning district. The solicitor indicated that while a full moratorium is not allowed, the municipality aims to implement the toughest possible legal restrictions on data center development within these zones.
Norristown, Pennsylvania – The Norristown Council recently voted to advertise an ordinance that would allow data centers to operate by conditional use within the municipality’s Heavy Industrial zoning district. This development follows efforts by the council to establish stringent regulations for data center development.
According to Sean Kilkenny, Norristown’s solicitor, the municipality sought to implement the "toughest legal standards possible for data standards in Pennsylvania." Kilkenny clarified that while a complete moratorium preventing data centers is not legally permissible, the council can impose robust and reasonable restrictions by strategically placing them within specific zoning districts.