Perry County planners propose adding hyperscale data centers to "Picture Perry" list of regional developments

The Perry County planning work group said it will add hyperscale data centers to the county's Picture Perry comprehensive plan as a "development of regional impact and significance" and will pursue a model ordinance municipalities can adapt to address site impacts.

The presenter leading the meeting told members the group expects "to be finalizing amendments to the Picture Perry comp plan this next month" and that the change would place data centers alongside other regional uses such as airports, large shopping centers and new educational facilities. "These hyperscale data centers do fit the mold," the presenter said, adding the goal is a model ordinance municipalities can quickly amend rather than drafting new rules from scratch.

The proposed approach is practical, the presenter said, because data centers present recurring regulatory questions about noise, lighting, stormwater and access that look similar across sites. Members discussed drafting an ordinance framework that local boroughs and townships could tailor to reflect local standards for setbacks, stormwater controls, lighting mitigation and emergency access.

Participants did not cite a specific project name during the meeting, but the presenter emphasized the plan change is meant to prepare the county for future large-scale developments "so municipalities could actually amend their ordinance much more efficiently to address noise, access, storm water, lighting," and related impacts.

Next steps: the work group intends to add the amendment to the package of four changes slated for consideration in the coming month and to develop a model ordinance template for municipal use. The group will reconvene in September to review public feedback on related materials, including a Sherman's Creek story map being posted for comment.