Smart Growth committee reviews model data-center ordinance; noise and vibration standards remain outstanding

The Smart Growth Committee reviewed a near-complete model ordinance to regulate data centers, with staff recommending conditional-use permission in industrial zones and specific standards for area, bulk, water and electrical usage.

Committee members and staff said the draft borrows from Chester County planning guidance and other regional models but that the technical piece requiring the most work is enforceable noise and vibration language. Staff reported consultation with two specialists and with the county planning commission to produce simplified, enforceable testing protocols: who conducts tests, where measurements are taken, what equipment is used, and which thresholds trigger corrective action. The consultants proposed standards that would allow municipal staff to perform routine compliance checks after minimal training and without the Borough having to retain outside consultants for every dispute.

Staff recommended inserting data-center-specific noise and vibration provisions into the model ordinance rather than attempting to overhaul the Boroughs general noise chapter at once. The draft will be finalized and forwarded to the Planning Commission and then to Smart Growth for recommendation at a future meeting.

Committee members asked staff to ensure the model is technology-neutral, enforceable, and does not create obligations beyond the Boroughs technical capacity; staff said training and modest equipment costs would be needed but that the approach aims to make enforcement practical in-house.

The committee did not vote on the ordinance at this meeting; staff expects to provide a final draft before the next Smart Growth meeting.