Franklin County Establishes Rules for Data Center Development

Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has taken a proactive stance on the development of data centers by adopting an amendment to its subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO). This amendment, approved by the County Commissioners, establishes specific rules and regulations for the construction, installation, and operation of data centers within the county. The commissioners’ action aims to protect residents, agricultural land, natural resources, and local communities by setting clear expectations for potential data center projects before they are formally proposed.

Under Pennsylvania law, land use decisions are primarily managed at the municipal level. While municipalities are required to plan for all legally permitted land uses and cannot impose outright bans or moratoriums, they do possess the authority to enact their own regulations through zoning ordinances and SALDOs. Franklin County’s SALDO amendment is designed to strengthen existing land development rules and offers a framework that municipalities can choose to adopt. It is important to note that this county-level amendment does not supersede or override the existing zoning authority of individual municipalities.

The newly adopted SALDO amendment aims to provide safeguards against potential negative impacts that future data center development could have on local communities and existing infrastructure. Simultaneously, it supports the county’s broader goals of promoting smart growth and conscientious economic development. The amendment does not greenlight any specific data center projects, nor does it offer incentives to developers or permit land uses that are currently prohibited by law. This measure is intended to ensure that any future data center development aligns with the county’s vision for responsible growth.

The process leading to the adoption of this amendment involved public engagement. The proposed amendment was made available for public review and comment in mid-February, during which time numerous residents shared their feedback. Following careful consideration of this input, a revised version of the amendment was issued in early April. The County Commissioners ultimately approved this revised amendment on Wednesday. This public feedback is considered a critical component in the development of policies that aim to best represent the needs and desires of the county’s residents. Residents seeking more information about Franklin County’s approach to data center development can visit www.franklincountypa.gov/data-center-ordinance.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from a press release by Franklin County Commissioners.

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