Rapho Twp PA data center zoning rules (2026)

Rapho Township, Lancaster County, Pa. — Ordinance 2026-4 amending the Rapho Township Code of Ordinances, Chapter 350, Zoning, to add definitions and regulations governing data centers. Adopted July 16, 2026 after an advertised public hearing; motion by Fox, second by Erb, 'All voted in favor' (supervisors present: Lowell Fry, Mark Erb, Randy Fox) per official minutes. Township solicitor/staff (Mr. Wenger): data centers were a use not provided for; ordinance limits them to the Industrial zone with conditional use approval by the Board of Supervisors, which addresses noise, water usage, generators, parking and screening; must connect to public water and sewer; a Noise Mitigation Plan is required. LNP adds: liquid cooling must be closed-loop; plans for water and energy usage, noise minimization, emergency response and electronic waste. NOT ESTABLISHED: effective date, setbacks, size caps. CONTEXT (LNP): Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code bars outright bans of a legitimate land use.