EAST CALN TWP, PA — East Caln Township supervisors will consider restricting data centers to industrially zoned properties under a proposed ordinance scheduled for a public hearing and possible adoption Nov. 18, establishing a regulatory framework for facilities that require substantial computing infrastructure and electrical power.
The proposal would amend the township’s zoning code to permit data centers, data center campuses and related accessory uses in the Industrial District only after conditional use approval.
Supervisors will hold the public hearing at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the East Caln Township Building, 110 Bell Tavern Road, Downingtown. They may vote on the ordinance immediately afterward during their regular public meeting.
The proposed regulations would establish specific standards governing the location, size, design and operation of data centers, distinguishing those facilities from other industrial uses already permitted under township zoning.
Under the amendment, data centers and data center campuses would be excluded from the Industrial District’s general area and bulk regulations and instead be subject to a separate section of the zoning ordinance.
The new section, designated 225-13.1, would establish comprehensive development requirements for data center properties.
The proposal would also introduce definitions for data centers, data center campuses, accessory uses, acoustical barriers, sensitive receptors and energy generation systems.
Those definitions would provide a framework for evaluating proposed facilities and their potential effects on surrounding properties.
Additional amendments would establish parking standards for data centers and campuses and address potential conflicts between the new requirements and existing zoning provisions.
The conditional use requirement would subject proposed data center developments to a formal municipal approval process rather than allowing them as unrestricted industrial uses.
The ordinance would amend Chapter 225 of the township code, which contains the East Caln Township Zoning Ordinance of 1992.
Supervisors will also consider a separate ordinance affecting property owners’ responsibilities for sidewalks and curbs.
That proposal would amend Chapter 180, governing streets and sidewalks, to assign responsibility for maintaining and repairing sidewalks and curbs that abut, front upon, are located on or are adjacent to a landowner’s property.
The amendment would revise Section 180-12, which addresses public safety and sidewalk maintenance obligations.
For affected property owners, the change would establish responsibility under the township code for maintaining and repairing adjoining pedestrian infrastructure.
Both ordinances remain proposals and are subject to the supervisors’ consideration following the public hearing.
Residents and other interested parties may examine complete copies of the proposed ordinances at the East Caln Township Building during regular business hours. Copies may be obtained for the cost of reproduction.
Attested copies are also available for examination without charge at the Daily Local News, 390 Eagleview Boulevard, Exton, and the Chester County Law Library, 201 W. Market Street, Suite 2400, West Chester.
Individuals requiring disability-related accommodations or auxiliary assistance to attend or participate in the hearing should contact East Caln Township at 610-269-1989.
The Nov. 18 proceedings will give residents and property owners an opportunity to comment before supervisors decide whether to adopt the data center regulations and revised sidewalk maintenance requirements.
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