Politics & Government
Newtown Supervisors Discuss Draft Data Center Ordinance
At a rare Work Session the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors conducted a technical review of the Jointure G-17 Data Center Ordinamce.
At a rare Work Session held on 13 July 2026, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) conducted a technical review of the Jointure draft G-17 data center ordinance (read “G-17 Data Center Zoning Framework”), focusing on environmental protections, utility impacts, and procedural next steps for the Jointure. The discussion emphasized the need to strengthen the current draft before it moves to a public hearing. Three Supervisors—Calabro, Merriman, and Merk—and Solicitor Jerry Schenkman were present.
Background
This Work Session was precipitated after a significant portion of the 8 July 2026 BOS session was dedicated to a Wrightstown amendment to the G-17 Ordinance. The amendment consists of several substantive and procedural revisions, summarized below.
| Revision Category | Description of Change |
|---|---|
| Electric Generation | Deletion of Section 4A to discourage separate on-site electric generation; all connections are expected to be public. |
| Utilities | Requirement for on-site water and sewer, as the specific zoning district is not conducive to public utility extensions. |
| Ordinance Integration | Reference to other ordinances by citation rather than attachment to avoid redundant amendments if referenced codes change. |
| Review Authority | Shifting application review responsibility from the Volunteer Fire Chief to the Fire Marshal. |
| Noise Suppression | Requirement for developers to incorporate new noise-suppression technologies as they become available to protect nearby residents. |
| Procedural Updates | Updates to exhibit labeling from B to A and cross-reference corrections within the JMZO. |
Because of these changes, the ordinance must be re-reviewed by the planning commissions of all participating municipalities and re-voted on by their respective boards.
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Data Center Ordinance Specifications
The Board reviewed several key restrictive measures and technical requirements currently in the draft:
- Acreage and Setbacks: The ordinance requires a minimum of 25 acres for a data center. Setbacks are established at 1,000 feet from residential uses and 300 feet from non-residential uses.
- Building Height: Buildings are capped at 45 feet, a height determined by the reach of fire department equipment.
- Water Usage: There is a strong preference for “closed-loop” cooling systems to prevent constant drawdown from local waterways. The Board noted that while the ordinance currently allows on-lot water and septic, the high volume required for cooling could impact groundwater and existing wells.
- Noise Mitigation: Current standards limit noise to 63 decibels at the parcel line. However, the Board expressed concern over the “constant hum” of cooling fans and diesel backup generators, which can cause health issues for residents and disrupt wildlife.
Environmental and Utility Concerns
The Board identified several “blind spots” in the current ordinance that require additional language:
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- Power Consumption: Data centers require massive amounts of energy. The Board discussed the potential for these facilities to strain the public grid, potentially leading to increased electricity rates for residents and local institutions such as hospitals.
- Renewable Energy: While the initial draft required on-lot renewable generation, the current revision requires connection to the public grid. The Board debated allowing variances for solar or wind energy, noting that large warehouse roofs are ideal for solar arrays.
- Environmental Reports: A recommendation was made to require comprehensive pre-construction reports covering power needs, water consumption, and groundwater drawdown.
Operational Oversight and Decommissioning
- Inspections: The ordinance mandates annual recertifications and inspections by the Fire Marshal and Police Department to ensure safety and security.
- Sound Testing: The Board proposed requiring professional sound testing both before and after construction to ensure compliance with decibel limits, rather than relying on developer-provided data.
- Financial Security: Decommissioning clauses require financial bonds or lines of credit, renewed every three years, to ensure equipment is removed and the site is restored if the facility closes.
Procedural Timeline
The Board discussed the path forward for the ordinance:
- July | Joint Meeting: Review and discussion of ordinance revisions.
- August | Authorization: Board must authorize advertisement for a public hearing.
- Late August | Public Hearing: Formal hearing for public comment and potential adoption.
- Post-Hearing | Planning Commission: Return to the Planning Commission if significant changes are made.
Strategic Considerations
The Board discussed the possibility of a moratorium, noting that a county in Maryland recently enacted a two-year pause on data centers to study their impacts. While hesitant to delay, there is a consensus that the “deeper pockets” of developers necessitate a highly detailed and technically sound ordinance to protect the township’s interests.
