Lower Frederick adopts zoning ordinance to allow data centers, battery storage

Lower Frederick Township’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously July 21 to adopt ordinance 20 26 0 2, which amends the township zoning ordinance to add data centers and battery storage facilities as regulated uses.

Peter, who presented the ordinance to the board, told supervisors the measure “has been, appropriately advertised for tonight, as well as been, sent and reviewed by both the township, planning commission and the county planning commission.” He said the current draft is essentially the same as the version previously presented and asked the board for a vote. Resident Diane Turr asked where members of the public can read the ordinance; staff said copies are available at the township building, the Montgomery County Law Library and the newspaper office, and that the text is posted online.

During public questioning Peter confirmed specific dimensional standards included in the ordinance, saying the regulations set a 200-foot setback from property lines and a 100-foot setback from public roadways. The chair then called for a motion to adopt the ordinance; after a motion and a second the board voted “aye” and the measure passed unanimously.

The ordinance was presented as having gone through public notice and planning-commission review. The board did not amend the text at the work session; the chair read the adoption motion for the record and the board approved it. The township will publish the ordinance text and related materials on the township website and make paper copies available per the advertised notice.