HB 2496
An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, providing for pause on data center proposals.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill pauses municipalities’ consideration of data center proposals. Local governing bodies can enact a ‘pause’ on reviewing data center applications for up to 180 days, during which time the deadlines for responding to applications are suspended. Municipalities can also adjust their land use ordinances related to data centers during this pause, but applications submitted during the pause will be subject to the current ordinances. The bill clarifies that municipalities retain their existing authority to regulate data centers and doesn’t create state preemption.
Key provisions
- Municipalities can initiate a ‘pause’ on data center application reviews.
- The duration of the pause cannot exceed 180 days.
- During the pause, application deadlines are suspended.
- Municipalities can amend or repeal land use ordinances related to data centers.
- Applications submitted during the pause are subject to existing ordinances.
- The bill clarifies that municipalities retain their authority to regulate data centers.
- Definitions of ‘Data Center’ are provided.
Who is affected
- Municipalities (cities, boroughs, townships)
- Developers of data centers
- Local planning boards and zoning hearing boards
- Residents of Pennsylvania communities
Notable changes
- Introduces a temporary pause on data center application reviews.
- Allows municipalities to modify their land use ordinances related to data centers during the pause.
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