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PA HB2151

PA HB2151
In zoning, providing for data center ordinance assistance; and imposing duties on the Center for Local Government Services.


summary

Introduced
01/20/2026
In Committee
01/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), entitled "An act to empower cities of the second class A, and third class, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships of the first and second classes including those within a county of the second class and counties of the second through eighth classes, individually or jointly, to plan their development and to govern the same by zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances, planned residential development and other ordinances, by official maps, by the reservation of certain land for future public purpose and by the acquisition of such land; to promote the conservation of energy through the use of planning practices and to promote the effective utilization of renewable energy sources; providing for the establishment of planning commissions, planning departments, planning committees and zoning hearing boards, authorizing them to charge fees, make inspections and hold public hearings; providing for mediation; providing for transferable development rights; providing for appropriations, appeals to courts and penalties for violations; and repealing acts and parts of acts," in zoning, providing for data center ordinance assistance; and imposing duties on the Center for Local Government Services.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to provide assistance to local governments in creating zoning ordinances for data centers, which are defined as facilities primarily used for housing servers and data storage systems, often equipped with backup power and cooling systems. The Center for Local Government Services is tasked with developing a model zoning ordinance within six months of the bill's effective date, which will include provisions on dimensional standards, setbacks from residential areas, visual screening, utility usage, noise limits, emergency response planning, aesthetics, and parking. The Center will also offer assistance to municipalities upon request when they consider adopting, amending, or repealing zoning rules for data centers, and will update the model ordinance annually. To help the Center fulfill these duties, it will have access to resources from executive agencies under the Governor's jurisdiction.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Energy (h) Hearing (10:00:00 3/2/2026 Room G50 Irvis Office) (on 03/02/2026)

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