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Residents press East Norriton board on data‑center siting; supervisors say state law limits local bans
Summary
A resident asked whether East Norriton has considered moratoria on data centers; township officials said they are drafting zoning protections with consultants but noted state law restricts outright prohibitions and that some state legislators are pursuing temporary moratoria.
An East Norriton resident on May 25 asked whether the township had considered moratoria or zoning changes to limit data‑center development, saying recent applications elsewhere raised worries about local water and power impacts.
A supervisor responding at the meeting said the township is working with legal and planning professionals, including consultant Christa Hinrich, to draft a zoning ordinance that would better manage where data centers can be sited. "We're currently working with our professionals and Christa Hinrich to put together a better ordinance when it comes to data science," the supervisor said, adding that the township is monitoring the issue closely.
Township officials told the meeting they cannot simply ban data centers. The supervisor said state law requires municipalities to include at least one zoning district that allows such uses, limiting a township's ability to enact blanket prohibitions. "You have to carefully create your zoning ordinance to address those issues in the best way you can," the supervisor said.
Officials also described efforts at the state level: the board said some legislators are pursuing a short moratorium to give lawmakers time to study how data centers affect water, power and costs before additional siting occurs.
The resident pressing the question said she wanted more direct resident participation in decisions affecting the township, including the idea of ballot measures for major changes. Township officials did not commit to a ballot approach and said much depends on state law and the outcomes of ongoing policy work.
The board did not take formal action on data‑center policy at the meeting; officials said they will continue to consult with counsel and planners and will report back as proposals are developed.
