City Council Meeting - July 14, 2026

The City Council meeting of Lancaster, PA, held on July 14, 2026, focused heavily on the proposed zoning amendment regulating data centers within the city. Council discussed and ultimately passed an amendment to the zoning ordinance that restricts future data center development to 16 specific parcels in suburban manufacturing zones, requiring special exception approval and imposing performance standards such as noise and air quality testing, decommissioning plans, and public hearings. The amendment grandfathered in two previously negotiated data centers under a community benefits agreement. Extensive public comment expressed strong concerns about environmental impacts, transparency, and the adequacy of protections, with many urging a moratorium or stronger regulations. Council members acknowledged the limitations of local authority under state law and committed to iterative improvements and continued advocacy at the state level. Additionally, the council approved appointments to various boards and authorities, a resolution amending the official sewage facilities plan for a new housing project, an easement agreement for the Hamilton Club, and authorized a $500,000 grant application for a multimodal transportation project. A first reading was held for an ordinance to increase indebtedness by issuing a $63.38 million water revenue note for water system improvements. The meeting reflected significant community engagement on data center regulation and ongoing infrastructure investments.