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Commission reviews draft data center ordinance; members ask for noise, electricity and model ordinances
Summary
Warwick Township staff presented a draft data center ordinance to define where large data centers could be allowed, requiring Conditional Use in Industrial zones, a baseline 10% lot coverage with additional coverage via TDRs, and provisions for utilities and noise; commissioners requested sample ordinances from other municipalities.
Township Manager Brian Harris and staff reviewed a draft Data Centers and accessory uses ordinance and explained why the township needs a specific use definition to avoid a "use not provided for" zoning challenge. The draft would treat large data centers as a Conditional Use in the Industrial zoning district, set a baseline 10% lot coverage with additional coverage purchasable through transfer of development rights (TDRs), and include standards for lot size, utilities, noise and setbacks.
Code and Zoning Officer Tom Zorbaugh noted that smaller, hospital-based data centers of about 20,000 square feet exist but the ordinance aims to address the much larger facilities discussed in the news. Staff and the Township Engineer, Chuck Haley, said data centers typically generate little ongoing traffic because they have minimal employees and that most traffic impact is during construction. Commissioners asked for copies of ordinances from municipalities that have adopted data center regulations for comparison; staff said they would circulate examples and the commission should provide written comments.
