Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Data Centers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Findlay Township adopts ordinance defining and limiting data centers
Summary
On June 10, 2026 the Findlay Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Ordinance #469 to define data centers and set conditional‑use standards including buffering, noise limits, FTMA water/service verification, power certification and decommissioning requirements.
The Findlay Township Board of Supervisors on June 10, 2026 voted 3‑0 to adopt Ordinance #469, which defines “Data Center” and establishes conditional‑use requirements and operating standards for data centers and related accessory uses in Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial zoning districts.
Assistant Manager Brandon Stanick summarized the ordinance draft, which the Planning Commission reviewed for several months. The ordinance sets definitions and requires conditional‑use review for data centers, prescribes minimum lot sizes and setbacks, requires landscape buffers and evergreen plantings, sets maximum decibel limits at property lines, requires FTMA verification for water and wastewater capacity, requires electrical provider certification of available power and notes potential impacts to electricity rates, and mandates decommissioning agreements and financial security to ensure site restoration if a facility ceases operations.
Resident William (Mr.) Erhlich of Combs Road praised the township for preparing the ordinance but urged the board to consider long‑term limits on where industrial uses can expand, asked who would pay for FTMA connections and whether those costs could drive up consumer rates, and urged the township to encourage renewable energy and limit diesel generators on‑site. Solicitor Alexis Wheeler cautioned that regulating certain operational elements may cross into areas requiring separate approvals and that on‑site energy generation can require distinct permitting.
The ordinance also includes technical standards: multiple sound studies (preliminary, interim and as‑built) and vibration studies, light and glare limits by fixture type and height, screening requirements for equipment within 300 feet of streets or sensitive receptors, aesthetic façade requirements, off‑street parking ratios, emergency response plans to be reviewed by IVFD, and decommissioning timelines and financial assurances if a data center is unused for 12 continuous months.
Board members commended planning staff for the draft. Mr. Gallant moved to approve Ordinance #469; Mr. Chappell seconded and the motion passed 3 Ayes.
The ordinance was adopted as presented; future applications for data centers will proceed through the Conditional Use process where site‑specific infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy proposals or generator use can be evaluated and conditions imposed.
