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Commission backs staff recommendations on South Hanover data-center overlay ordinance
Summary
Dauphin County planning staff recommended approval of a South Hanover Township overlay ordinance to regulate data centers, citing generally sound provisions but urging clarifications on acreage minimums, buffer standards and emergency-management language; the commission voted to forward those recommendations.
Dauphin County planning staff told the commission they found a proposed South Hanover Township overlay ordinance for data centers generally sound but asked for clarifications before final enactment. Jerry, a staff member presenting the review, said staff "believe it's a good ordinance. However, that we feel that there are some things that may need to be looked at" and read a three-page comment letter listing recommended fixes.
The staff letter recommended resolving inconsistencies in minimum acreage requirements, clarifying the overlay's relationship to underlying zoning districts, aligning buffer and performance standards, and strengthening emergency-management provisions, including compliance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Staff also noted the ordinance includes typical data-center provisions—setbacks, height limits, screening and noise restrictions—intended to reduce legal and administrative risk.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about resources used by data centers (water, energy) and noted many regulatory aspects fall under other agencies. Andrew, a staff member, said the county is maintaining a related informational "toolkit" that will be updated as the state releases guidance.
After discussion, the commission voted to approve staff recommendations and forward the comment letter to South Hanover Township. The vote carried without opposition.
The action treats the county role as a consistency review and recommendation; it does not constitute township adoption. Staff will ask South Hanover to address the specified clarifications before final enactment.
