Council advances draft data‑center zoning amendment, schedules July hearing

Jerry Spaniac (smart growth committee) presented a draft zoning amendment to regulate data centers in the borough’s industrial district and asked council to schedule a public hearing. "This ordinance simply closes the gap between our ordinances that exist now and the much more stringent or clear standards for any data center that would want to come into the borough," Spaniac said. The committee recommended a July 15 public hearing to allow county planning commission review.

Spaniac emphasized the draft restricts data centers to the industrial zoning district and requires a conditional‑use process with specific criteria for lot size, setbacks, noise and vibration controls, stormwater management and other protections. Solicitor Kristen Camp noted the ordinance must go to the county planning commission and said the borough is trying to be proactive so regulations are in place before a developer proposes a data center.

Staff and committee members also responded to public confusion that the draft targeted the West Chester Country Club; officials said the country club is not zoned industrial and therefore would not be eligible under the draft. Councilmembers agreed the draft is a starting point and acknowledged the ordinance may be refined as the borough and county learn more about the use and relevant standards in other municipalities.

The council scheduled the public hearing for July 15 to allow the required intergovernmental review and to solicit public comment. The smart growth committee said it will continue to refine the language with county planning staff before the hearing.