Data centers in Smithfield Township limited to new heavy industrial zone

Smithfield Township’s board of supervisors approved amended rules for data center projects on Aug. 12, limiting them to a new heavy industrial zone and capping size at 50,000 square feet. The change removes data centers as a permitted “by-right” use in the industrial zone and makes them conditional in the economic development zone, while steering them to conditional use in the new H-1 heavy industrial area. Chairman Jacob Pride said the ordinance adds setbacks, prevents clearcutting of woodlands, and requires an energy usage plan and additional utility certifications, plus updated sound assessment and a stronger community impact statement, along with a bonding requirement. Residents urged further restrictions and criticized potential effects on water, electricity and noise.