Nov 6, 2026
General News
On October 27, 2026, the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance No. 435.
The Board of Supervisors took a proactive approach and set clear standards for data centers before any were proposed. At this time, the Township has no data center applications.
Where data centers are allowed
Data centers are allowed only in the LI (Limited Industrial) District, and only as a conditional use. That means any proposal must go through a public hearing and be approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Key protections for residents
The ordinance sets standards for any future data center, including:
- Size and setbacks: buildings can be no taller than 60 feet. They must be set back at least 100 feet from property lines, or 200 feet next to homes or residential districts. Equipment must be screened from view.
- Noise: strict noise limits, especially at night near homes. Noise studies are required before construction and after the facility opens.
- Water: the facility must use public water and sewer and a closed-loop or other water-saving cooling system. The applicant must show it won’t affect water pressure or supply for other users.
- Power: the applicant must show the utility can serve the site, power lines must be buried, and nuclear power generation is not allowed.
- Safety and the environment: an emergency response plan reviewed by local fire officials, a plan to reduce heat impacts, an electronic waste plan, and a plan for removing the facility at the end of its life.
- Public input: before the first Planning Commission meeting, the developer must hold a public meeting. Everyone within 500 feet of the property must be notified by mail.
Read the full ordinance: Ordinance No. 435 – Data Centers (PDF)
