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Committee introduces zoning amendment to restrict data/AI data centers; referral to planning board expected
Summary
Upper Township introduced Ordinance 15-2026 to amend zoning rules so that data centers, including AI data centers, would be a nonpermitted use and require a use variance; staff said the change must go to the planning board for consistency review.
At the Aug. 7 meeting, the committee introduced Ordinance 15-2026, which would amend Chapter 20 (zoning) to list data centers—explicitly including AI data centers—as nonpermitted uses across township zoning districts.
Town staff explained that the change means any proposed data center would require a use variance, making it harder to site such facilities in town. The ordinance introduction requires a planning-board consistency review before final action; the mayor and staff confirmed the measure will be forwarded to the planning board.
Why it matters: Listing data/AI centers as nonpermitted uses affects future proposals for large computing facilities, preserves local land-use control, and triggers review procedures that could limit where such facilities may be sited.
