Tredyffrin Seeks To Regulate Data Centers, Before A Developer Wants One In The Township

TREDYFFRIN, PA — Tredyffrin officials want to develop regulations around data centers, before any developers try to bring one to the township.

The development of data centers — particularly those used to "train" AI-powered technology — have drawn widespread scrutiny from local communities for their impacts on water supply, energy costs and noise, among other concerns.

Nobody has applied to build a data center in Tredyffrin — yet. But local officials would like to create some regulations before that happens.

Tredyffrin's current zoning code makes no mention of data centers. On Monday, the township's Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a motion to begin that process of determining what regulations should be in place.

The motion authorizes the township solicitor to draft zoning regulations for data centers. Public officials, including the Board of Supervisors, would need to pass them before they take effect.

Board of Supervisors Chair David Miller said Tredyffrin isn't banning data centers. But specific regulations would give the township a way to block developments with adverse impacts.

"If you are not regulating it, then they could potentially argue that it could go anywhere," Miller said. "It's not some scary thing that's happening. We're just trying to make sure we're a little ahead of it."

The Chester and Montgomery County Planning Commissions recently released guidance for municipalities on regulating data centers.

It provides a framework for Tredyffrin to develop its own regulations, says Erin McPherson, the township's director of planning and zoning.

"These facilities can offer economic benefits, including increased tax revenue and potential infrastructure investment," McPherson said in a letter to the Board of Supervisors. "However, they also present unique land use considerations, such as high energy consumption, building scale, noise from mechanical equipment, and limited on-site employment relative to their footprint."

The county guidance notes those employment impacts, saying data centers generate fewer jobs per square foot than other industrial facilities.

Once a draft zoning ordinance is prepared, it will be reviewed by the township's Development Committee before it's sent to the Township and Chester County Planning Commissions for recommendation. It will then return to the Board of Supervisors to begin the process of voting for formal adoption.

The public will have opportunities to provide input during Tredyffrin Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings.

Here's the agenda and video for Monday's Board of Supervisors meeting.