The Franklin County Commissioners have presented a proposed amendment to the county’s existing subdivision and land development ordinance that would establish regulations for data centers in Franklin County.
The proposed amendment is available for public review online at https://buff.ly/EKr1rc5 or at the commissioners’ office.
The amendment outlines standards and regulations for the construction, installation and operation of data centers in Franklin County. Its guidelines are intended to promote economic development while protecting the health, safety and welfare of residents. The proposal also provides criteria to limit significant impacts on farmland, natural resources and other sensitive areas.
“We want to ensure our municipalities are well positioned to make educated, informed decisions about responsible growth,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst.
In Pennsylvania, land use and development policies are primarily controlled by individual municipalities. Currently, 21 of Franklin County’s 22 municipalities have subdivision and land development ordinances, and 12 have adopted zoning ordinances.
The amended ordinance would provide additional safeguards in the event a municipality repeals an existing ordinance, guiding the development of data centers while aligning with the commissioners’ goals of smart growth, protecting natural resources and farmland, and preserving community character.
Residents are encouraged to review the amendment online or at the commissioners’ office. Public feedback may be submitted through the county’s public comment form at https://buff.ly/XMQoz8t.
A public hearing will be held in conjunction with the commissioners’ April 1 public board meeting at 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Administration Building, 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg.
The commissioners anticipate voting on the amendment following the hearing and mandatory public review period.
Photo credits to Franklin County, PA
