Bethlehem is considering a data center zoning law that would further restrict where such facilities could be built in the city.<\/p>\n
According to city Community and Economic Development Director Laura Collins, the proposed zoning change is a \u201cproactive\u201d measure designed to address the boom in data center development. Bethlehem has not received any data center land development applications, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we have allowed data centers in Bethlehem for a while, what we are doing now is adapting the ordinance to account for the ways in which data centers have changed, and we are trying to address new challenges that they present,\u201d Collins said.<\/p>\n
Data centers are permitted by right in three of the city\u2019s zoning districts: light industrial, industrial and planned industrial.<\/p>\n
However, under the proposed zoning change, data centers would be permitted only in the industrial zoning district, and would require a special exception permit issued by the zoning hearing board.<\/p>\n
Other restrictions under the proposed ordinance would include requiring a 200-foot building setback from any property line and at least a 1,000-foot setback from the property line of any \u201csensitive\u201d use, which includes residential areas, schools, daycares, hospitals and community recreation centers.<\/p>\n
It would also require data center developers to submit a series of detailed studies on the center\u2019s impact on the electrical grid, waterways and wastewater disposal, environment, and noise and vibrations.<\/p>\n
Data center developers also would need to submit an energy management plan that proves that the electrical grid has the capacity to handle the electric load; pay for any necessary upgrades to the grid; and submit electronic waste and decommissioning plans, emergency response plans and thermal impact mitigation plans.<\/p>\n