The ordinance amendment will be reviewed by the township and county planning commissions
The West Rockhill Board of Supervisors Wednesday, February 18 approved the advertisement of a zoning ordinance amendment to regulate data centers in the township.
The amendment includes a definition of data centers and language regulating building structures, accessory uses and equipment. It notably requires centers to be powered by solar energy and served by public water and sewer.
The move follows the proliferation of AI data centers across the nation, with centers planned in Falls Township, Bucks County, and Limerick Township in Montgomery County. Two recent applications, one in Conshohocken, Montgomery County, and one in East Vincent, Chester County, have been withdrawn or denied under intense public opposition.
West Rockhill has not encountered a data center proposal seeking approval. Supervisors emphasized they were taking this action as a preemptive measure to be prepared for any future requests.
Township solicitor David Keightly said the amendment restricts local data centers to the township’s industrial district adjacent to Hilltown Township and Telford Borough along State Road.
The ordinance amendment will be reviewed by the township and county planning commissions. A public hearing will be held during the board’s April 15 meeting.
Public meeting procedure amendment
The board amended its public meeting procedural policy to include language describing the public comment period as a listening session rather than a “direct question-and-answer session” and encouraging residents with specific questions to contact township staff.
The board also approved a policy requiring the online publication of Planning Commission meeting materials no less than 24-48 hours prior to commission meetings.
Township events
The board highlighted some upcoming township events at James Memorial Park, including the annual youth fishing derby on April 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, Arbor Day activities on April 25 and Septemberfest on September 27 from noon to 4 p.m.
The next West Rockhill Board of Supervisors meeting is on March 18 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit westrockhilltownship.org
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