Warren City Zoning Code
§ 16-24.14
Data centers.
[Added 6-18-2026 by Ord. No. 26-19]
a.
Data centers are a prohibited use in all zones within the Township of Warren.
b.
The following performance standards shall apply to any application for data center uses:
1.
Energy supply.
(a)
Electrical substations, energy generation systems, and any facility used for the transformation or transmission and/or switching of voltages to distribution voltages which switches circuits that is used or intended to be used to supply power to the Data Center during normal operations shall be considered a separate principal use and shall not be permitted on the same tract as a Data Center.
(b)
Any system designed for cooling and operation of the facility (electricity, water, or other means) will be adequate and will not negatively impact the surrounding region.
(c)
The energy storage capacity of the system used (if applicable) will be defined.
(d)
The facility shall only be powered by renewable or clean energy, and all costs related to power infrastructure (new generation, transmission, or distribution) shall be paid for by the Data Center.
(e)
The use will not cause electrical interference or fluctuations in line voltage on and off the operating premises.
(f)
To reduce adverse impacts, a heat waste recovery system shall be required.
2.
Sensitive receptors. Schools, preschools, day care centers, in-home daycares, health facilities such as hospitals, long term care facilities, retirement and nursing homes, community centers, places of worship, playgrounds, parks (including trails), campgrounds, and any residence where such residence is not located on a parcel with in an existing industrial or commercial zone shall be considered a sensitive receptor. Data centers shall not be permitted anywhere in the Township or within 200 feet of any property line with a sensitive receptor use.
3.
Any proposal for a Data Center shall include pre- and post-construction sound studies which examine all exterior utility functions of the building (rooftop and ground-mounted) that produce sound. The sound studies shall be conducted by an Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE) Board Certified Engineer and shall be subject to review and approval by an engineer with experience in noise control selected by the Township.
4.
Setbacks. Data center buildings shall be located at least 300 feet from any property line.
5.
Noise reduction barriers or devices shall be required regardless of noise levels.
6.
Environmental and Community Impact Analysis reports shall be prepared by qualified professionals and provide an evaluation of the potential impacts upon: a) emergency services and fire protection; b) water supply; c) sewage disposal; d) solid waste disposal; e) school facilities and school district budget; f) municipal revenues and expenses; g) stormwater; and h) any environmental impacts that are likely to be generated (i.e., odor, noise, smoke, dust, litter, glare, heat islands, vibration, electrical disturbance, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, etc.).
7.
Decommissioning bond. A decommissioning bond or similar financial assurance shall be posted to cover the full cost of future site cleanup, infrastructure removal, and environmental remediation.
