Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Publishes Model A.I. Data Center Ordinance; Links To Other Model Ordinances

On April 15, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission serving Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties published a model A.I. data center ordinance municipalities can use as a starting point for developing their own ordinances.

The model ordinance is intended to be flexible and adaptable to local conditions, priorities, and regulatory frameworks. 

It reflects consideration of common data center development characteristics, operational requirements, and potential land use impacts, as well as a review of prevailing zoning approaches and regulatory practices. 

Recommended standards, including dimensional criteria and performance-based provisions, are provided for guidance and should be evaluated for compatibility within each municipality’s existing zoning framework.

Click Here for the model ordinance.

Visit the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Planning ToolKit webpage for other model ordinances, environmental, transportation and zoning factsheets for the public and municipalities.

Model Ordinances

Model ordinances regulating A.I. data centers are available from PennFuture and Move Past Plastic.

Upcoming Event

May 7-- Tri-County Regional Planning Commission 60th Anniversary Luncheon featuring guest speaker Jill Whitcomb, DEP Deputy Secretary for Water Programs.  Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, 4650 Lindle Road, Harrisburg. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

[Posted: April 27, 2026]  PA Environment Digest