Lancaster, Pennsylvania Development News

Lancaster City Council Approves Data Center Zoning Amendment Amidst Strong Public Opposition

The Lancaster City Council held a lengthy discussion and vote on Administrative Bill 10-2025, an ordinance to amend Chapter 300 of the city's zoning code to recognize computed data centers as a special use requiring regulation. The amendment aims to restrict data center development to specific zones (SM) and require special exception approval, setting performance standards. A motion to amend the bill was debated and passed, clarifying language regarding previously approved data centers, which are grandfathered under prior agreements and ordinances. Public comment overwhelmingly opposed the data centers, citing concerns about environmental impact, energy and water consumption, noise pollution, and the potential for the city to be negatively transformed. Council members acknowledged the public's concerns and the need for stronger regulations, but ultimately voted to approve the amended ordinance as a necessary first step to provide immediate protections, with commitments to further revisions and improvements in the future. State Representative Nikki Rivera also provided an update on state-level legislative efforts to regulate data centers.