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Williamsport council finds zoning inadequate for data centers, opens 180-day curative amendment process
Summary
The council adopted a resolution declaring parts of the city's planning code inadequate for data-center development and authorized a 180-day curative amendment process aimed at adding provisions such as cooling towers and power-supply rules; the measure passed 6-0.
Williamsport's City Council on July 9 adopted a resolution declaring the city's existing planning code inadequate to address data-center development and opening a 180-day curative amendment period to revise zoning rules.
The resolution, introduced and explained by a council member, said the current code lacked specific references to technical features of data centers such as cooling towers and power supply and could be interpreted as effectively banning the industry. Council member (S8) said the measure —is intended to allow us, give Williamsport the opportunity to revise our planning code or zoning code, to allow for appropriate development and protect quality of life in Williamsport.—
During discussion, members raised the need to consult state resources and legal counsel. One council member recommended contacting the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCD) for toolkits and best practices; another noted Justin Houser as a solicitor who has been advising municipalities on related work. The city solicitor clarified that Pennsylvania's optional third-class city code and the base third-class city code contain provisions that govern how municipalities handle amendments and sales of property, and advised that the curative amendment be prepared in line with state requirements.
Council amended a blank date in a whereas clause to include July 25, then voted to approve the substantive resolution. The roll call returned unanimous support among voting members present and the chair announced the motion passed 6-0.
Why it matters: the curative amendment process gives Williamsport a defined window to draft and consider zoning changes that could accommodate or regulate data-center proposals, rather than leaving those decisions to ad hoc interpretation of existing code. The solicitor noted the city must follow statutory procedures and that the amendment process is time-limited.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with solicitors and relevant state offices to draft the curative amendment over the 180-day period and bring proposed language back to council for review and vote.
