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Charlestown planning commission unanimously recommends zoning amendment to allow data centers
Summary
The Charlestown Township Planning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 13 to recommend a zoning amendment to permit data centers as a conditional use in the I/O district, while flagging local electrical-infrastructure limits and the need for a follow-up regulatory ordinance.
The Charlestown Township Planning Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a zoning amendment to allow data centers as a conditional use in the township’s Industrial/Office (I/O) district.
The action follows a two-part approach the commission discussed in November: adopt an immediate zoning amendment to designate where data centers may locate, then draft a second, more detailed ordinance to regulate the use. "By immediately providing an area that the use is permitted, we can prevent anyone from challenging the ordinance and trying to locate one somewhere we do not want one," Township Manager Chris Heleniak said during the discussion.
Commissioners and consultants emphasized that infrastructure and parcel size will limit near-term projects in Charlestown. Consultant Dan Wright noted the scale: "A million square feet of buildings is equal to 20 acres of land," pointing to typical data center footprints. Planning staff and commissioners said the largest local parcels are limited; the Exeter property on Phoenixville Pike was identified as about 45 acres and the Beyond Meat parcel as about 19 acres. Heleniak added the primary obstacle is electrical service: "the biggest obstacle for any site in Charlestown Township is the lack of electrical infrastructure," and he noted that an approved project in neighboring East Whiteland required PECO to plan multimillion-dollar substation upgrades.
After discussion, Commissioner Mike Richter moved to recommend approval of the Data Center Zoning Ordinance Amendment; Commissioner Bill Westhafer seconded the motion. Chair Matt Rogers called the vote and all members present voted in favor.
Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for consideration; the commission also signaled intent to return with a more detailed ordinance that would regulate data-center siting and operations if the supervisors direct drafting work.
