August 19, 2026 County Council - Public Hearing on Proposed SALDO Ordinance

The Erie County, Pennsylvania County Council held a public hearing on August 19, 2026, to discuss a proposed amendment to the County's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) specifically addressing data center facilities. The amendment aims to establish baseline land development standards for data centers in municipalities without their own SALDO, covering aspects such as site planning, construction, operation, noise and vibration limits, water and energy use certifications, and decommissioning plans with financial security requirements. The hearing included presentations by county planning officials and public comments expressing both support for the ordinance as a necessary regulatory framework and concerns about environmental, utility, and health impacts of data centers. The council was urged to adopt the amendment while also advocating for moratoriums and additional regulations at the state level. The meeting concluded with appreciation for the planning commission's work and a motion to adjourn, with no direct votes on the ordinance recorded in the transcript.