Columbia Borough Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss a proposed ordinance that would create a detailed regulatory framework for data centers within the borough.
The meeting will be held in the auditorium of Columbia Borough High School, 901 Ironville Pike.
Only borough citizens and taxpayers may comment during the discussion, after council comments. Speakers must state their name and address when recognized. Council will be discussing section by section.
Public comments from out of town or comments about other topics will be at the end of the meeting.
The is a special meeting to discuss data center text only. No formal vote will be taken. The meeting will be livestreamed on the borough’s YouTube channel.
Draft Ordinance 2026-966 — Summary:
This ordinance amends Columbia’s zoning code (Chapter 220) to add comprehensive regulations specifically for data centers, changing their zoning classification to “Special Exception” in Light Business and Light Industrial/General Industrial districts.
Key provisions include:
- Definitions: Adds terms like Data Center Accessory Use, Data Center Electric Substation, Sensitive Receptors, etc.
- Setbacks: 150 ft from property lines generally (50 ft near Conservation District)
- Height limit: 100 feet max
- Noise limits: Specific dBA/dBC caps, stricter near “Sensitive Receptors” (schools, hospitals, homes, etc.)
- Buffer yards: 100–200 ft buffers depending on building footprint size, with detailed landscaping/berm requirements
- Power: Encourages on-site generation; requires utility verification of adequate capacity; on-site lines under 34.5kV must be buried
- Water: Encourages closed-loop cooling; requires SRBC approval for high water use
- Safety: Fire-rated equipment enclosures, NFPA compliance for battery storage
- Environmental Impact Assessment required, covering air quality, stormwater, comprehensive plan consistency, annual utility-use reporting
- Community Benefits Agreement required before final approval (clean energy commitments, possible fire dept./low-income utility assistance donations)
- Decommissioning plan required
- Green building/LEED encouraged; solar-ready roofs required, with mandatory rooftop solar for buildings over 500,000 sq ft
- Riparian buffer protections for sites near waterways (100+ ft buffers with native vegetation zones)
The ordinance would take effect 5 days after enactment.
Columbia Spy 