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The East Hanover Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass a zoning amendment regulating data centers, which adds the use as a special exception in the industrial district, following a public hearing at its monthly meeting Monday.
The ordinance requires data center lots to be at least 10 acres, fully enclose equipment where possible (or fully screen where not), follow the nuisance ordinance ban on noise and vibration, provide an analysis of water needs and documentation about its source, provide an environmental impact assessment, submit an energy management plan, and provide an emergency response plan, among other requirements. It also requires a decommissioning plan and details on the cooling method proposed.
The ordinance also makes general changes to the industrial zoning district, adding a required buffer for industrial land adjacent to residential or institutional land and language in the performance standards section specifically requiring data centers to provide descriptions of on-site processing operations and environmental impacts.
Without a use being specifically addressed by a zoning ordinance, a developer can make the case to place it in any zoning district. East Hanover developed this ordinance to ensure the use is addressed if a developer submits a plan. However, the planning commission is still reviewing possible additional regulations as state law develops.
In other news, the board:
- Unanimously approved a $12,000 low bid from Lincoln Pavement Services for line painting, at a rate of 15 cents per foot.
- Unanimously agreed to schedule budget meetings for Sept. 21 and Oct. 19, starting both days at 6 p.m.
- Unanimously approved a sewage facilities planning waiver and non-building declaration for a subdivision/lot addition plan at 41 Picnic Woods Road.
- Unanimously approved a recreation request to partner with the Cornwall Children’s Center for basket raffles for the 2027 Apple Cider Festival, as the township recreation board is unable to get a game of chance license.
- Unanimously approved minutes and the payment of the bills.
- Reviewed reports.
The East Hanover Township Board of Supervisors meets the last Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.
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