<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3gg0un_1H3OjDW300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3gg0un_1H3OjDW300" width="970" height="550" ><figcaption>Middletown has decided on a limitation for data centers looking to build within their jurisdiction.</figcaption></figure><p>Middletown Township is weighing data center rules that would keep the facilities at least 1,000 feet from homes, schools, and other sensitive properties, writes Jo Ciavaglia for the <i>Bucks County Courier Times</i>.</p><p>No developer has come knocking, but current zoning does not address data centers at all, so officials want rules in place before one does.</p><h2>What the Middletown Data Center Rules Would Require</h2><p>The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the amendment at its Nov. 4 meeting. </p><p>It would allow data centers only in the M-1 Light Manufacturing district, through conditional-use review.</p><p>Developers would need 50 contiguous acres, undivided by roads, rail lines, utility lines, or rights of way. </p><p>The 1,000-foot buffer would reach from residential districts and sensitive properties such as schools, childcare centers, hospitals, parks, and places of worship.</p><p>Applicants would also face standards on noise, lighting, water, and electricity, plus an emergency response plan accepted by township officials. </p><p>The reporter did not have the final draft, so details could change.</p><h2>A Narrow Field</h2><p>Planning Commission member Peter Tantala counted about 200 M-1 properties covering 1,000 acres, clustered around Cabot Boulevard, Wheeler Way, Route 213, and Route 1. </p><p>Those are zoning locations, not announced sites.</p><p>He believes only one undeveloped property might clear the acreage bar. </p><p>A few developed properties could qualify if combined.</p><p>Building and Zoning Director <a href="https://bucksco.today/tag/jim-ennis/">Jim Ennis</a> stressed that the township is not courting developers.</p><p>“This is in no way trying to entice or promote someone to try and establish a data center in this township,” he said.</p><h2>Legal Questions and Next Steps</h2><p>Tantala warned the strict language could invite an exclusionary-zoning challenge. </p><p>Ennis said a lawsuit would at least force the courts to weigh in, and neighboring towns are drafting similar rules.</p><p>Still, supervisors must first vote to advertise the draft. Approval could come as soon as Nov. 16.</p><p>The full article, including more on building conversions and neighboring towns’ rules, can be found at the <a href="https://www.phillyburbs.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/11/10/middletown-langhorne-data-center-construction-rules-approval-zoning-ordinance-bucks-county-pa/92626468007/">Bucks County Courier Times</a>.</p><p>___</p><div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z8woihP6-S8?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div></div></body>

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Middletown Township is weighing data center rules that would keep the facilities at least 1,000 feet from homes, schools, and other sensitive properties, writes Jo Ciavaglia for the Bucks County Courier Times. No developer has come knocking, but current zoning does not address data centers at all, so officials want...

Middletown Seeks to Place Limits Regarding Data Center Developments

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Middletown Township is weighing data center rules that would keep the facilities at least 1,000 feet from homes, schools, and other sensitive properties, w

Middletown Seeks to Place Limits Regarding Data Center Developments

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