The Lower Macungie Board of Commissioners on May 21 approved zoning ordinance updates establishing regulations for data center development, including requirements for location, security and environmental impact.

The amendments to Chapter 27 define data centers as complexes primarily consisting of buildings that house computer servers and telecommunications equipment. Related structures may include utility buildings, fiber-optic infrastructure, administrative offices, storage facilities, security installations and water treatment systems.

Under the regulations, proposed data centers must be screened and buffered from public streets and neighboring properties. Required security measures include fencing, walls, gates and other protective features.

The ordinance also requires an environmental impact study and sets location restrictions. Data centers are prohibited within 1,000 feet of residential areas, schools, places of worship, life care facilities and day care centers.

Developers must address infrastructure impacts, including parking, 24-hour energy use and demands on the power grid, water supply and sewer systems. Township officials said these provisions represent part of a broader set of requirements in the ordinance.

A full list of regulations is available at lowermac.com.