Mayfield Borough passes ordinance to regulate data centers

In a unanimous decision last night, the Mayfield Borough Council approved a new ordinance that will heavily regulate the development of data centers within the municipality. The move ensures the borough remains compliant with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, which prohibits the outright ban of any specific land use. Council President Diana Campbell stated that, under the new legislation, a data center will be permitted only as a conditional use within the C-2 (Heavy Commercial) zone west of Business Route 6 in Mayfield. This conditional use status requires any developer to meet strict criteria, which officials say include major provisions for 200-foot setbacks from residential areas, the installation of sound attenuation features to minimize noise, mandatory water feasibility studies to ensure adequate supply, and a requirement for comprehensive sound and traffic studies. The vote followed a public comment period, where residents were invited to voice their opinions on the critical zoning amendment.