Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee carries public hearing on ordinance to prohibit data centers to April 6
Summary
The committee carried the public hearing on Ordinance 2026-04, which would amend township land-use rules to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts and adds a detailed definition and referral process. The hearing was carried to April 6 for further information.
At the March 16 meeting the Green Township Committee voted to carry the public hearing on Ordinance 2026-04 to its April 6, 2026 meeting pending additional information.
The ordinance text, included in the meeting packet, would amend Chapter 30 of the Township Code to define “data center” and make all data centers and related uses prohibited in every zoning district. The ordinance text outlines the township’s rationale: protecting rural character, agricultural lands, scenic landscapes and environmental resources; it cites concerns about heavy electricity and water use and potential impacts on community water supplies and local infrastructure. The draft definition lists typical data-center components (servers, transformers, substations, generators, redundant power supplies, environmental controls and security systems) and expressly prohibits those uses in all zones.
The ordinance also directs standard municipal procedures: notice to the Sussex County Planning Board at least 10 days prior to the hearing and referral to the Land Use Board for review under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-26, with a 35-day deadline for the board’s report. Finally, the text contains a severability clause, repeal language for any conflicting ordinances, and an effective date upon final passage and publication.
Why it was carried: the minutes record the committee’s motion to carry the hearing "pending further information," providing the committee additional time to consider the ordinance’s impacts and any comments from the Land Use Board or county planning review before final action.
Next step: the public hearing will resume on April 6, 2026; the Land Use Board review and any public comment will be considered before final adoption.
