Bill > HB2151

This bill amends Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to add a new chapter focused on providing assistance to municipalities in developing ordinances for data centers, which are defined as facilities primarily housing servers with backup power and cooling infrastructure. The key provision is the requirement for the Local Government Commission, in consultation with the Department of Community and Economic Development, to develop and publish a model zoning ordinance for data centers within nine months of the bill's effective date. This model ordinance will offer guidance on various aspects, including dimensional standards, placement relative to residential areas, landscape buffers, visual screening, water and sewage system use, water feasibility studies, electric utility certification, noise and vibration limits, emergency response planning, aesthetics, parking, and importantly, community benefits agreements that promote local workforce participation in construction through apprenticeships and skilled labor. The Local Government Commission will also provide technical assistance to municipalities, solicit stakeholder input, and annually update the model ordinance, with public notice and comment periods for both the initial publication and subsequent updates. While municipalities are not required to adopt the model ordinance, it serves as a resource to help them regulate data centers and mitigate potential community impacts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2151