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Planning commission draft Data Center ordinance reviewed; supervisors ask for wildlife and noise safeguards
Summary
Supervisors reviewed a Planning Commission draft Data Center ordinance and suggested expanding allowable districts, including police in first‑responder training requirements, and considering environmental/noise studies to assess wildlife impacts before conditional use approvals.
Township supervisors reviewed an initial draft Data Center ordinance prepared by the Planning Commission and drafted by the Township Engineer (Pennoni). The Board noted that the Municipal Planning Code requires the use be allowed in townships but the ordinance lacks a formal definition and standards. Discussion focused on proposed noise provisions (based on ANSI standards), concerns about the effect of both high‑ and low‑frequency noise on animals and wildlife, and whether an environmental impact study should be required for potential ecological impacts.
Supervisors recommended several changes for the Planning Commission’s next draft: add the C‑2 zoning district in addition to C‑2A as a conditional‑use district for data centers; include police among first responders required to receive applicant‑funded training for the installed systems (a recommendation from Police Chief Thomas Nelling); require applicants to amend conditional‑use approvals if power generation or energy systems are substantially modified; and ensure consistent terminology for power versus energy generation throughout the ordinance. The Planning Commission will incorporate the suggested edits for review at its July 14 meeting before forwarding to the Chester County Planning Commission.
