Data Center Ordinance
Franklin County’s Proactive Approach To Data Center Development
The Franklin County Commissioners are taking proactive steps now—before any data center proposals are submitted—to protect the county’s farmland, natural resources, and communities.
While land use decisions are primarily controlled at the municipal level under Pennsylvania law, the commissioners act within their authority to establish safeguards, provide guidance, and support municipalities in making informed decisions.
This effort reflects the county’s commitment to:
- Responsible growth
- Protection of natural resources and farmland
- Safeguarding residents’ health, safety and welcare
- Preserving the character of local communities
What The Commissioners Are Doing
In February 2026, the commissioners proposed an amendment to the county’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to address potential data center development.
This amendment is designed to:
- Provide a model framework municipalities can adopt
- Strengthen existing local development regulations
- Establish clear standards, such as:
- Noise limits
- Water impact studies
- Electrical service verification
- Environmental and community impact analysis
- Financial security for future decommissioning
Just as important, the amendment does NOT:
- Approve any specific project
- Allow a use that is currently illegal
- Offer incentives to developers
- Override municipal authority
Why This Matters Now
While the commissioners are unaware of any plans for a data center in Franklin County, data centers are being proposed across Pennsylvania and the country. By acting early, Franklin County is:
- Setting expectations before development occurs
- Helping municipalities prepare, rather than react
- Reducing risk to communities and infrastructure
Understanding The County’s Role (And Its Limits)
Municipalities — townships and boroughs — control zoning and land use policies and decide where and how development can occur.
The county can:
- Provide guidance through its SALDO
- Review plans for regional impact
- Support municipalities with best practices
The county cannot:
- Ban legal land uses
- Enact moratoriums
- Override municipal zoning authority
The Public Process
February 11, 2026: Proposed amendment released
April 1, 2026: First public hearing
April 9, 2026: Revised version of proposed amendment released
April 28, 2026: Second public hearing
May 20, 2026: Anticipated vote on proposed amendment
Understanding Land Use
In Pennsylvania, the authority to implement land use policies and regulate development is primarily vested with municipalities. Each municipality must account for and plan for every legally permitted use, regardless if it is suitable to its pattern of development or in line with the goals of its community. Municipalities may adopt and enforce their own policies on how to best regulate the use and development of land through a zoning ordinance and/or subdivision land development ordinance (SALDO). Currently 21 of Franklin County’s 22 municipalities have SALDOs and 12 have adopted zoning ordinances.
What is a SALDO?
A subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) is a local law that regulates minimum requirements and procedures for dividing and improving (subdividing and developing) land in a manner that promotes public health, safety and welfare. Municipalities can create their own SALDOs, which override county rules, but the county’s planning commission — a nine-member volunteer board appointed by the commissioners — still reviews plans and ordinances to comment on regional impact.
What is a zoning ordinance?
A zoning ordinance dictates the location of specific land use within a municipality. A few counties in Pennsylvania have county-wide zoning, but local residents have expressed opposition to county-wide zoning in Franklin County. Keeping zoning at the municipal level allows residents to have a more direct voice in land use decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Franklin County ban data centers?
No, Pennsylvania law requires municipalities to allow for all lawful land uses.
Can the county delay development?
No. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled moratoriums are not permitted.
Who should residents contact about data centers?
Residents should contact their local municipal officials and state legislators. Residents can also contact the Franklin County Commissioners through the county’s public comment form.