Question 1

Who is the primary zoning authority in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

The primary zoning authority in Lancaster County is the Lancaster County Planning Commission. This body oversees land use decisions, conditional use permits, and data center project approvals within the county.

Question 2

What is the current permitting outlook for data center projects in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Spark's AI Permit Feasibility Score for Lancaster County is challenging — the county has significant headwinds including active opposition, moratoria, or contentious vote history. This is a general signal — project-specific scoring depends on size, location, and current ordinance status.

Question 3

How often does Lancaster County update its data center zoning code?

Accepted Answer

Lancaster County has a dynamic zoning code — ordinances are updated relatively frequently in response to new project applications, state legislation, or community input. Check back regularly or contact Spark to set up automated alerts.

Question 4

What was the most recent vote on data center in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

The most recent vote on record was on 05/12/2025: "Approved CPO #41-166 (Manor Township) to amend the zoning ordinance and map to create a new Mixed-Use Campus Overlay Zoning District, with comments that data centers over 100,000 sq. ft. should be permitted only by Special Exception and comply with Section 425-108.C." — outcome: Passed. See the full vote history section below for additional records.

Question 5

What should data center developers know about greenfield and brownfield site selection in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Site type significantly affects data center permitting in Lancaster County. Greenfield development on undeveloped or agricultural land typically requires conditional use permits and environmental review, and may face community opposition around land conversion. Brownfield or previously developed sites can offer faster approvals and lower opposition risk, but may carry remediation requirements. County zoning codes often treat these site types differently with respect to setbacks, buffer requirements, and decommissioning obligations. Contact Spark for a site-specific due diligence assessment.

Question 6

What is the broader data center permitting environment in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Pennsylvania operates a deregulated electricity market regulated by the Public Utility Commission, allowing customers to choose from competitive Electric Generation Suppliers (EGS). The state maintains an active SREC market with prices around $35-50/MWh, providing additional revenue streams for solar projects. Major utilities include PECO, PPL Electric Utilities, Duquesne Light, and FirstEnergy subsidiaries (West Penn Power, Penn Power). See the full Pennsylvania state guide for statewide incentives, net metering rules, and interconnection requirements.

Project	Developer	Capacity	Status
Data Center Project A	Confidential	— MW	Permitting
Data Center Project B	Confidential	— MW	Operating
Data Center Project C	Confidential	— MW	Construction
Data Center Project D	Confidential	— MW	Permitting
Data Center Project E	Confidential	— MW	Operating
Data Center Project F	Confidential	— MW	Construction

Data Center zoning, opposition, and authorities in Lancaster County, PA (Updated 2026)

Lancaster County Quick Facts

Data Center requirements in Lancaster County: zoning code and recent changes

Read Lancaster County's zoning ordinances

Recent news, moratoria, and decisions for Lancaster County data center development

Who approves data center projects in Lancaster County?

Active and proposed data center projects in Lancaster County

See every project, vote, and move from local opposition in Lancaster County

Where is data center easiest to permit in Pennsylvania?

Permitting data center in Lancaster County?

Date	Measure	Outcome
05/12/2025	Approved CPO #41-166 (Manor Township) to amend the zoning ordinance and map to create a new Mixed-Use Campus Overlay Zoning District, with comments that data centers over 100,000 sq. ft. should be permitted only by Special Exception and comply with Section 425-108.C.	Passed
05/12/2025	Approved staff recommendation for CPO #41-166 with comments recognizing significant infrastructure impacts (roads, water, sewer) that must be mitigated.	Passed