Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, Schedules Public Hearing on Proposed Data Center Zoning Regulations
The City Council of Saint Marys, PA, will hold a public hearing on June 15, 2026, to discuss proposed changes to its zoning ordinances. These changes aim to establish new regulations and definitions for data centers and their accessory uses. The proposed ordinance includes conditions such as setbacks, noise limits, landscape buffers, water usage assurances, and electricity infrastructure certification.
The City Council of Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, has announced a public hearing scheduled for June 15, 2026, at City Hall to address significant amendments to the Saint Marys City Code's Zoning Ordinances. The proposed changes specifically introduce new regulations and definitions for "Data Centers and Data Center Accessory Uses," designating them as Conditional Uses within the city's Industrial and Limited Industrial Zoning Districts.
The ordinance outlines several conditions for data center development, including requirements for facilities to be within closed buildings with 200-250 foot setbacks from property boundaries, adherence to specific noise level standards, and the repeal of separate requirements for Digital Mining Facilities, incorporating them under the broader Data Center definition. Additionally, developers will be mandated to provide landscape buffers, screening, and fencing. Critical infrastructure concerns are also addressed, with requirements for assurances that water usage will not negatively impact local supply or pricing, certification from electric service providers confirming adequate infrastructure capacity, and the submission of an emergency response plan. The full text of the proposed ordinance is available for public review at City Hall during business hours.