East Rockhill supervisors approved advertising an ordinance to regulate data centers as a preemptive measure before any applications are received. The ordinance restricts data centers to industrial districts near the Pennridge Airport, with a 50-acre minimum lot size and a 45-foot height limit, and follows a wave of data center proposals and public backlash across the broader region. Residents raised concerns about water consumption, electricity usage and community harm, while the township solicitor noted that outright prohibition isn't legally permissible and that any future applicant would need to complete a full land development review including a water impact study. Supervisors agreed unanimously to get the ordinance on the books and refine it through amendments, with a 60-day advertisement period followed by a public hearing and final vote.
Source: The Reporter; 5/4/2026