BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Bethlehem Planning Commission advanced zoning text amendment changes governing data centers Tuesday night at city hall.

The changes address three separate articles and involve various changes. One amendment establishes a “data center” definition, while another permits data centers as a special exception within the Industrial (IN) zoning district. The special exception allows for a case-by-case review by the zoning hearing board.

Additional amendments require applicants to submit all plans, studies, evaluations and mitigation strategies at the time of application. Standards creating site design — including a minimum 200-foot setback from any right-of-way or lot located outside the IN district, and a minimum 1,000-foot setback from any lot located in a residential zoning district or any lot with an existing sensitive receptor — were also added.

Another section focuses on what the city terms “sensitive receptors.” This would include an existing dwelling including institutional uses with residential components such as a school, child or adult daycare, park, hospital or community recreation center.

Lastly, the amendments establish maximum building height, minimum yard, minimum buffer yard and maximum building coverage requirements.

In her presentation to the planning commission Tuesday night, Director of Planning and Zoning Cathy Fletcher said data centers have existed for years. They are facilities of one or more buildings that house physical hardware to support digital systems.

More recently, Fletcher said the functions of data centers have changed. Those changes include expanding streaming and cloud storage along with support for everyday activities such as virtual meetings, online shopping and video streaming. The changes served as the impetus for zoning amendments.

Chairman Robert Melosky said there is significant misinformation surrounding data centers. He described the amendments as thorough and thoughtful.

The proposed ordinance will be subject to a public hearing before Bethlehem City Council, scheduled for Oct. 6.