Planning commission recommends data-center zoning ordinance ahead of Sept. 14 public hearing

The Marple Township Planning Commission on Aug. 27 recommended that the Board of Commissioners move forward with a draft ordinance to regulate data centers within certain industrial zoning districts. Solicitor Adam Matlowski told the commission the township’s current zoning contains no provisions for data centers and the proposed amendment adds conditions addressing landscaping, buffering, sound, water controls and setbacks.

"The ordinance is rather extensive and includes provisions for you know landscaping, buffering, sound, water controls, all sorts of things," Matlowski said, explaining that the draft reflects comments from Delaware County Planning and the township’s engineering consultant. He said Delaware County Planning recommended adoption and that the township will re-advertise the ordinance for a continued public hearing before the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. in this meeting room.

Matlowski also told residents the draft was revised after a June review and that further modifications could follow depending on new input or state actions. During public comment, resident Mary Gallagher said she opposed locating a data center in Marple because of high energy and water use. Matlowski and other staff emphasized the recommendation only forwards the draft and that a formal public hearing and county review will inform any final changes.

The commission’s vote to recommend the ordinance was made by motion, seconded, and approved by voice vote. The recommendation does not itself change zoning; the Board of Commissioners will hold the advertised public hearing and may adopt, amend or reject the proposed ordinance.