North Strabane working to draft data center ordinance
North Strabane Township supervisors are signaling their intent to implement an ordinance regulating data centers.
A comprehensive ordinance will be discussed and opened up for public input on Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., an hour before the board’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
According to township Manager Patrick Karnash, the regulatory effort is “proactive,” adding that the township has not received any formal project applications or interest from data center developers.
North Strabane is the latest in a series of Washington County municipalities that have hurried to enact similar regulations after a large property in neighboring South Strabane Township was listed for sale as a prime candidate for a data center in late 2025.
“An ordinance is being drafted to protect residents and the township in a way that allows for potential development in a controlled manner,” Karnash said.
The township has contracted Pittsburgh-based consulting firm Strategic Solutions LLC for professional services in drafting the ordinance. This will include reviewing and learning from the “best parts” from comparable regulations that have been enacted in municipalities in southwestern Pennsylvania and the commonwealth as a whole, he said.
Karnash said that the ordinance is still being drafted, so it is too early to provide specific information regarding key details such as property line setbacks or lot size restrictions.
Strategic Solutions was previously hired by the board in early 2026 to advise an ongoing update of the township’s comprehensive plan.
According to Karnash, these two efforts “go hand-in-hand,” saying that the overarching goal is to figure out how to best position North Strabane for healthy, manageable growth over the coming decade. This principle of “responsible development” is the guiding light for both efforts.
“We’re looking at what’s best for the township regarding how land is used and zoned, especially if there are sensitive areas like schools nearby,” he said.
Karnash estimated that the comprehensive plan process will take about 14 to 16 months to complete, and will require further public input to see it finished.
“We’ve had great feedback, amazing feedback so far,” he said.
According to Karnash, the township will seek additional input from residents on the proposed data center ordinance and comprehensive plan update as both efforts unfold.
“The goal is for people who live, work and play in North Strabane Township to be as involved as possible in this process,” he said, “it’s their community, so we want to see the success of our residents.”