Morrisville council votes to pause data-center approvals, launches six-month curative amendment process

The Morrisville Borough Council voted unanimously to declare the borough’s zoning ordinance invalid as it relates to data-center use and to begin a six‑month curative‑amendment process to write local regulations.

Solicitor Scott Hulbert, who advised council on the legal path, said the pause gives the borough time to “come up with the proper regulations, see what's needed, what's necessary, and move forward.” Hulbert told council that because many zoning codes do not yet account for modern data‑center uses, the short window is intended to avoid being forced to accept a lawful use without clear local standards.

Several council members urged an inclusive process. One council member asked that a short‑term council committee work with the solicitor and hold open meetings so the public could participate; that request was supported during discussion and incorporated into the planning approach. The motion — to declare the ordinance invalid as to data centers and initiate the curative amendment process — passed 8–0.

The solicitor explained the change is not a ban but a procedural tool that allows the borough to adopt standards tailored to Morrisville’s built environment and public‑interest concerns. Council members noted the borough’s small footprint, proximity to other municipalities, and the possibility that smaller data‑center facilities could be proposed on existing industrial parcels.

Next steps: council indicated it will form a working committee, coordinate with the solicitor on draft language, and schedule public meetings during the six‑month period to solicit resident input. Affected residents were encouraged to watch for public meeting notices and to provide comment at open sessions.