Franklin County Commissioners Unveil New Data Center Development Guidelines

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Franklin County Commissioners propose data center development guidelines to protect resources and communities.

Franklin County Commissioners have proposed an amendment to the county’s subdivision and land development ordinance that aims to provide a framework for future data center development. This proposed amendment, now open for public review, seeks to establish clear standards and regulations for the construction, installation, and operation of data centers within Franklin County. The initiative is designed to encourage responsible economic growth while simultaneously safeguarding the well-being of residents and protecting the county’s natural resources, farmland, and sensitive areas.

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Currently, in Pennsylvania, individual municipalities hold primary authority over land use and development policies. While most of Franklin County’s municipalities have adopted subdivision and land development ordinances, and a significant portion also have zoning ordinances, the proposed county-level amendment offers an additional layer of protection. This safeguard is intended to guide data center development even if a municipality were to repeal its existing ordinances. The commissioners’ stated goals for this amendment are to foster smart growth, preserve Franklin County’s natural assets and valuable agricultural land, and maintain the unique character of local communities.

Residents of Franklin County are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the proposed amendment. It is accessible for review online through the official county website, http://www.franklincountypa.gov, and can also be viewed in person at the commissioners’ office. The county has also established a public comment form for those wishing to submit feedback on the proposed regulations. To further facilitate public understanding and input, a public hearing will be held in conjunction with the commissioners’ April 1st board meeting, commencing at 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Administration Building, located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg. Following this hearing and the mandatory public review period, the commissioners are expected to vote on the amendment.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County Commissioners

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