Quinton solicitor proposes ordinance to ban data centers; planning board forwards measure to township committee

The Quinton Township Planning Board on March 10 voted to forward a proposed ordinance (referred to in the minutes as IO: data centers) to the township committee. Township Solicitor William Horner said he prepared the ordinance to define the term "data center" and to make data centers a prohibited use in the township zoning code.

Board members discussed subtleties the ordinance must address. William Remster asked whether the ordinance would prohibit data centers while still allowing on-site computer centers where people work or conduct research. Tom Boyles said the phrase "research facility" in the draft may be too broad. Lawrence DiVietro of Land Dimension Engineering described the ordinance as a way to clarify use categories on the books so future applications would have clearer grounds for variance or denial.

On a motion by Todd Boker, seconded by William Remster, the board voted to use the proposed ordinance and send it to the township committee for consideration. No final zoning determination was made at the meeting; the township committee will evaluate the draft ordinance and any edits recommended by the planning board.

Next steps: the township committee will review the draft ordinance; if adopted, it would add a definition for "data center" and make that defined use prohibited in Quinton Township. Any affected applicants or property owners would then be subject to the new use restrictions or request variances if their proposals fall outside permitted uses.