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Council reviews data center water-testing language, solar-permit rules and cell-tower mapping
Summary
Council reviewed updates to a proposed data center ordinance adding a water-testing requirement, discussed removing or refining conditional-use rules for residential rooftop solar versus ground-mounted arrays, and approved solicitor/engineer review of a wireless communications map to fill cell-coverage gaps.
Council and staff used the working session to preview several land-use items expected to return for formal action.
Data center ordinance: staff said a revised draft adds a water-testing requirement and mirrors the sound-testing approach used for other projects. Planning staff said violations would be issued if testing shows problems and asked councilors to review red-line language in the circulating draft before the next meeting.
Solar panels: planning staff summarized the borough's current approach: rooftop residential solar is generally treated as a utility permitted by building permit (zoning permits issued routinely), while freestanding ground-mounted arrays and accessory-structure installations frequently require conditional-use review. Council discussed the burden on applicants and planning commission concerns about the volume of conditional-use applications; staff proposed clarifying thresholds (for example, accessory roofs under 1,000 sq ft may remain by zoning permit) and cost-based building-permit fees for installed value.
Wireless communications: the land-use committee recommended solicitor review and an updated zoning map from the borough's planner/engineer to reflect where conditional use for tower-based wireless facilities may be appropriate to address 911 and coverage gaps. The committee also discussed bonding requirements to ensure decommissioning funds for towers that are abandoned and suggested coordination with neighboring municipalities to locate sites efficiently.
No formal votes were recorded on these items during the working session; staff were asked to circulate drafts and maps for council review ahead of public hearings required for zoning changes.
