The Borough of Hatboro Planning Commission met on November 10, 2026 to discuss a draft Data Center Ordinance for the Borough of Hatboro and a proposed Text Amendment for the HI-MU Zoning District.
The first item was a text amendment request for the property located at 237 Jacksonville Road, commonly known as Hatboro Lofts. The applicant is seeking the amendment because they have been unable to secure a long-term retail or commercial tenant for a portion of the building. The Planning Commission discussed both the proposed text amendment and the proposed zoning changes for the property. The applicant’s attorney indicated that a time waiver request would be provided to allow additional discussions with the Borough regarding the inclusion of the parcel within the proposed Jacksonville Corridor Zoning District as part of the Borough’s comprehensive zoning rewrite. The Planning Commission is expected to continue its review of this matter during its December meeting when discussing the draft zoning ordinance update.
The second item on the agenda was the proposed Data Center Ordinance.
At the outset of the discussion, it was emphasized that the Borough does not currently have an application for a data center. The purpose of the discussion was to review a proposed ordinance that would establish regulations, protections, and potential locations where a data center could be considered should an application be submitted in the future.
Following a lengthy discussion among members of the Planning Commission, the Borough Planner, Montgomery County Planning Commission representatives, and residents, the Planning Commission recommended that the proposed Data Center Ordinance be incorporated into the zoning rewrite. The recommendation includes allowing data centers in the proposed LMX Zoning District, subject to a maximum building size of 25,000 square feet, setbacks from sensitive receptors, and approval as a conditional use, along with other protective measures.
The proposed ordinance will be incorporated into the draft zoning rewrite and reviewed again by the Planning Commission at its December meeting.
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for: Tuesday, December 8, at 7:00 PM at Borough Hall, 414 S. York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040.
The public is not only invited but encouraged to attend and participate. The zoning rewrite will affect every property owner within the Borough and is one of the most significant planning initiatives currently underway.
Again, the Borough would like to remind residents that there is currently no application for a data center before the Borough. Should an application ever be received, residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Borough website, Facebook page, and Savvy Citizen notifications. These communication channels remain the best way for residents, business owners, and property owners to stay informed about matters affecting the community.
If you have any questions, please contact Borough Manager Diane Hegele, any member of Borough Council, or Borough Hall.
A copy of the slideshow that was presented by the Montgomery County Planner can be found below: