Toolkit for Data Center Ordinances Now Available

Pennsylvania municipal officials and economic development and planning specialists have a new resource to help them navigate the process of planning for future data center development in their communities.

In conjunction with the recent release of the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) initiative establishing standards for data centers to receive support from the commonwealth, the administration also announced a new local government toolkit to help municipalities navigate data center proposals and make informed decisions that work best for their communities.

The number of data centers being proposed in Pennsylvania has been increasing rapidly and municipalities are being urged to proactively develop and approve ordinances addressing the land use, zoning, infrastructure impacts, economic tradeoffs, and environmental concerns of the community.

“It is important for municipalities to plan for data centers to capitalize on their economic benefits and to proactively address any potential impacts to the community. Municipalities cannot legally exclude a use that complies with all local land use ordinances, policies and permitting requirements,” under the Fair Share Doctrine, the toolkit notes. “Consequently, proactive planning for emerging industries is essential to ensure these developments are integrated effectively into communities.”

The local planning and zoning process allows municipalities to guide the location and size of data centers, address water usage and energy concerns, noise, lighting, and prevent or lessen conflicts with residential areas, and optimize use of certain sites. The toolkit walks users through the permitting and agency coordination, and explains the various zoning classifications that can be designated for these facilities.

It provides a rundown of utility considerations related to the large amount of electricity and water needed, as well as proximity to broadband infrastructure. A summary of potential economic impacts is included, including increased tax revenue, creation of temporary construction jobs and a lower number of permanent jobs, and notes that demands on municipal services are generally lower.

The document also notes that because data center development is a rapidly evolving issue, state and federal preemption of municipal authority could occur, and communities must also work with utility and infrastructure regulators, such as the state Public Utility Commission and Department of Environmental Protection.

The toolkit provides a quick overview for those who are curious about data center development, or looking to understand the various factors that must be considered in the planning process.