Planning Commission favorably recommends Bill 2026 to regulate data center uses
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Summary
The commission voted to recommend a staff‑draft zoning amendment (Bill 2026) that would define and tightly regulate data centers — requiring special‑exception review and technical analyses (noise, water/sewer, power, e‑waste, thermal mitigation and emergency response) — and send the ordinance on to City Council after LVPC comments.
The City of Allentown Planning Commission voted to favorably recommend Bill 2026, a staff‑draft amendment that would add a defined 'data center' use to the zoning ordinance and impose supplemental regulations intended to mitigate potential public‑health, safety and welfare impacts.
Staff said the draft ordinance, developed with input from other municipalities and model language, would treat data centers as a use permitted only by special exception (not by right) in industrial districts and would require additional review and technical documentation for larger facilities (thresholds kick in for facilities over 50,000 square feet and minimum lot sizes of 5 acres in IG and 8 acres in IM). The required submittals for special‑exception applications would include a narrative description of the use, an environmental impact analysis, noise and vibration study, water and sewer utilization report, power‑supply and energy‑management report, an electronic‑waste plan, thermal‑impact mitigation and an emergency‑response plan. Staff also noted that the ordinance will be reviewed by LVPC and other city bureaus before CED and City Council consideration.
Commissioners asked about process and whether data‑center proposals could avoid land development review; staff said most likely not, because the typical sites and equipment needs tend to trigger land development review. Commissioners also raised the possibility of requiring certified landscape plans prepared by a registered landscape architect; staff said the code contains language that can require certified plans and they will consider LVPC feedback when finalizing language.
Commissioner Greg moved to favorably recommend Bill 2026 to City Council; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff expects LVPC comments within two weeks and anticipates taking the measure to CED and City Council in May with a public hearing possible in May–June if the schedule holds.
