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Delanco committee gives first reading to ordinance barring data centers in all zones; hearing set for July 13
Summary
The committee introduced and gave first reading to an ordinance to designate data centers as a non-permitted use across Delanco; the measure was framed as declarative of the township's current policy and set a July 13 public hearing after one member voted no, saying the body lacked time to research the draft.
The Delanco Township Committee on June 15 gave first reading to a proposed ordinance that would add "data centers" to the township code as a recognized but non-permitted use in every zoning district, setting a public hearing for July 13.
Township solicitor Doug Heinhold said the draft is largely declarative and intended to restate the committee's existing position that data centers are not a permitted use in town. "If somebody came today with a proposed data center, we would take the position that it's not a permitted use in town," Heinhold said, while noting that developers retain statutory rights to apply for variances and that the "time of application" rule can affect projects already under review.
Heinhold told the committee that the ordinance clarifies and strengthens the municipal code by recognizing the use and explicitly listing it as non-permitted, but it does not eliminate the procedural right of any applicant to seek a use variance before the joint land-use board.
The measure drew one public comment expressing support for the township taking preventive steps; committee member Mr. Bartlett voted against advancing the ordinance to first reading, saying the council had "zero discussion" and insufficient time to research the draft before it appeared in the agenda packet. Other members supported moving the ordinance forward to give the joint land-use board time to review consistency with the master plan before final action.
The committee set a public hearing and second reading for July 13, 2026, and staff will transmit the draft to the land-use board for advisement and to the public for comment.
