Pequea Twp PA data center zoning ordinance (2026)

Pequea Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — Board of Supervisors meeting Aug. 19, 2026: UNANIMOUS adoption after public hearing. DEFINITION: 'a use involving a building/premise primarily occupied by computers and/or telecommunications and related equipment ... where information is processed, transferred and/or stored.' PROVISIONS: CONDITIONAL USE in commercial and industrial zoning districts; minimum lot 30 acres; connection to public water and wastewater; proof of adequate energy; decommissioning and emergency response plans; security fencing 10-15 ft plus screening; noise and vibration studies; ANNUAL AIR QUALITY TESTING with reports to local, state and federal entities; two setback classes — 300 ft front/side/rear from 'sensitive receptor' uses/districts (residential zones, education, care facilities, agricultural uses); from nonresidential uses 100 ft front and rear, 60 ft side yard, 50 ft building to building; community engagement provision; energy-needs reporting (roundup). Chair Harry Lehman: township needed 'some kind of protection'. NOT ESTABLISHED: ordinance number; effective date. CONTEXT (same roundup): Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code gives municipalities zoning authority but state law prohibits outright bans of a legitimate land use; Lancaster County Planning Commission issued a guide for municipal data center rules.