Murrysville begins work on rules for future data centers and solar projects

Municipal leaders in Murrysville are moving toward creating new regulations for data centers and both residential and commercial solar installations as interest in those developments increases.

“Right now, we don’t have an ordinance or a zoning classification that would regulate either,” said Michael Nestico, speaking at the borough’s Feb. 17 council meeting. “In more recent months, we’ve been getting calls about both of these items, and we want to make sure we’re protected so that if a company does want to come into town, we have adequate controls in place.”

A recent example of regional solar development can be found near the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Greensburg maintenance facility in Hempfield Township, where a large solar array was constructed in 2021.

Recent proposals for data centers in Springdale and Homer City have sparked debate among residents in those communities, particularly over potential water and electricity usage and possible emissions. In Murrysville, however, council members focused their discussion on how best to structure local oversight and what regulatory tools would provide the most flexibility.

“Other communities are doing it through zoning, and so you’d have to decide what kind of use you want it to be — a permitted use in a specific type of zoning, or a conditional use — and then set the different control mechanisms and requirements, whether it’s setbacks, landscaping or other related things,” Nestico said.

Newly seated council member Michael Korns, an attorney who also serves as solicitor for Penn Township, said he is not in favor of adopting a standalone ordinance for the facilities.

“I think the primary concern with standalones is they’re vulnerable to a (court) challenge and they don’t conform to the (Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code),” Korns said, noting that several similar ordinances in other municipalities have already faced legal challenges.

Murrysville solicitor Wes Long provided council with two sample solar regulations he previously helped craft for nearby communities — one addressing smaller, residential-scale systems and another focused on larger commercial projects.

“Going through zoning has advantages and disadvantages, as does a standalone ordinance with police powers,” Long said. “There are considerations for why one may want one or the other, but that’s probably a discussion for the future.”

Nestico said he believes zoning-based regulations would offer the most practical approach for the municipality.

“That way, it gets a review by both the planning commission and council,” he said.

Council members agreed to have staff begin drafting proposed regulations using Long’s examples, along with model ordinances available through statewide municipal organizations.

“I think we need to get ahead of this and make sure our residents and our emergency services are protected,” said Councilwoman Jamie Lingg. “The model ordinances are kind of ‘bare bones’ for what we would want or need.”

Nestico said a draft ordinance will be presented to council at a future meeting. The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 4 at the municipal building, 4100 Sardis Road. Agendas are posted in advance on the borough’s website.