S. Annville prepares to submit drafted zoning ordinance regulating data centers
South Annville Township is preparing to submit a drafted zoning ordinance designed to regulate data centers. The goal is to make the regulations restrictive enough to discourage development without facing legal challenges, with a public hearing to follow. This initiative highlights the township's proactive stance on potential data center development.
South Annville Township supervisors are moving forward with a drafted zoning ordinance aimed at regulating data centers within the township. Chairman Dale Hoover announced at an August 12 meeting that the ordinance is expected to be submitted to the Lebanon County Planning Department and the South Annville Township Planning Commission before the September supervisors' meeting. Following a review period, supervisors will conduct a public hearing for community input before considering the ordinance for approval.
Hoover emphasized the township's goal to make the regulations "as restrictive as possible" to discourage data center development without creating legal vulnerabilities for the township by outright banning them. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback via email or by attending the upcoming planning commission meeting or public hearing.
The article also detailed a separate discussion regarding Maggie and Gerald McAteer's request to rezone their Spruce Hill Acres property from residential to agricultural. This request, supported by numerous community members including Annville Township manager Candie Johnson and Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz, aims to facilitate agricultural experiences for special education students. Supervisors are consulting their solicitor, Josele Cleary, to determine the legal feasibility of this rezoning, acknowledging potential "spot zoning" concerns. The request for agricultural rezoning is unrelated to data centers but was part of the same meeting coverage.