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Delanco committee adopts ordinance banning data centers in all zones, 3–1
Summary
The Township Committee adopted Ordinance 2026-10 to classify data centers as a non-permitted use in all Delanco zones after removing an ambiguous 'large scale' qualifier; roll call was 3 in favor, 1 opposed.
The Delanco Township Committee on July 13 adopted Ordinance 2026-10, amending the municipal code to designate data centers as a non-permitted use in all zoning districts. The committee removed the term 'large scale' from the ordinance preamble following the Joint Land Use Board's recommendation to avoid ambiguity.
During the second reading, the Township Solicitor advised the committee that removing 'large scale' was a non-substantive amendment and would not prevent the body from proceeding with a second reading and final action that evening (SEG 075–082). After a brief public-hearing period with no public comments, the committee moved and adopted the ordinance. Roll call recorded one dissenting vote. "I’m gonna vote no," said Mister Bartlett during roll call; other members recorded 'yes' and the ordinance passed (roll-call sequence SEG 100–122).
Why it matters: The ordinance clarifies Delanco’s zoning stance on a land use type that can involve significant building footprints, power and cooling infrastructure, and long-term land-use implications. The Joint Land Use Board reviewed the ordinance for master-plan consistency and recommended removing the 'large scale' phrase to avoid creating a loophole.
Vote and next steps: The committee adopted Ordinance 2026-10 by roll call (Yes: Mister McFadden, Mister Ouellette, Miss Fitzpatrick; No: Mister Bartlett). Staff will finalize ordinance text for municipal codification and publish the adopted ordinance as required; any future amendments would return to the land-use review process.
Background: Municipal Clerk Bev Russell noted the Joint Land Use Board planner, Michelle Taylor of Taylor Design, found the ordinance consistent with the master plan except for the 'large scale' language (SEG 063–066). The solicitor reviewed the change and confirmed the committee could proceed with second reading and adoption that night.
The ordinance takes effect following local publication and filing as provided by law.
