Download the Model Data Center Ordinance
Data centers are rapidly expanding across New Jersey, bringing significant demands for electricity, water, land, and local infrastructure. Communities shouldn't have to wait until a major project is proposed to decide what protections they need.
This Model Data Center Ordinance gives municipalities a tool to take action now.
The model ordinance provides a framework for municipalities to define data centers and designate them as a non-permitted use in all zones.
Why Do We Need Local Protections?
Large-scale data centers can place significant demands on water and electricity while creating concerns about noise, air quality, natural resources, land use, and community character. The model ordinance recognizes these impacts and the need for municipalities to update their regulations to address the scale of modern data center development.
Preliminary data cited in the ordinance indicates that some large data centers can use millions of gallons of water per day and require hundreds of megawatts of electricity. These demands can affect resources and infrastructure both within host communities and beyond their borders.
What Does the Model Ordinance Do?
- Defines data centers and the infrastructure associated with them.
- Designates data centers as a non-permitted use in all zones, including related uses.
- Recognizes potential impacts on water, energy, environmental resources, and community character.
- Provides a framework for local review and public participation as municipalities consider adoption.
Why Pass It in Your Town?
- Plan ahead. Put local protections in place before a data center proposal arrives.
- Protect water. Large data centers can require substantial amounts of water, putting pressure on local water resources.
- Protect energy resources and ratepayers. Data centers can require enormous amounts of electricity at a time when New Jersey residents are already facing rising energy costs.
- Protect your community. Local governments can take action to protect natural resources, community character, and the health and welfare of residents.
Take Action
Don't wait for a data center proposal to start the conversation. Share this model ordinance with your mayor, town council, planning board, and neighbors. Ask how your community currently regulates data centers and whether those protections are strong enough. Use this model ordinance to start the conversation and help your town take action.
