Franklin County Commissioners propose data center development guidelines and ordinance amendment

The Franklin County Commissioners presented an amendment to the county existing subdivision and land development ordinance that would establish regulations for data centers. The proposed amendment is now available for public review. The amendment outlines standards and regulations for the construction, installation and operation of data centers in Franklin County. It promotes conscientious economic development while protecting the health, safety and welfare of residents. The guidelines also provide clear criteria that would limit data centers from having significant impacts on farmland, natural resources and other sensitive areas. Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst said the effort seeks to ensure municipalities are well positioned to make educated and informed decisions about responsible growth. In Pennsylvania, land use and development policies are primarily controlled by individual municipalities. Currently 21 of Franklin County 22 municipalities have subdivision and land development ordinances, and 12 have adopted zoning ordinances. The amended ordinance provides added safeguards in the event a municipality would repeal an existing ordinance. These safeguards guide the development of data centers while aligning with goals of smart growth, protecting natural resources and valuable farmland and preserving the character of local communities. Franklin County residents are encouraged to review the amendment online at www.franklincountypa.gov or at the commissioners office. Feedback can be submitted through the county public comment form. A public hearing is scheduled for April 1 at 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Administration Building, 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, in conjunction with the commissioners public board meeting. The commissioners anticipate voting on the amendment following the hearing and mandatory public review period.