Jim Thorpe officials are taking steps to regulate where data centers can be built in the borough.

The borough’s planning commission is recommending an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would add definitions for data centers and their accessory uses, and allow them only as a special exception in the industrial district. The proposal follows guidance provided by land use planner Carson Helfrich and mirrors steps other municipalities are taking.

“The recommendation is to have data centers be in the industrial district,” Council President Greg Strubinger said during a council workshop Thursday.

“The definitions need to be added not just for what is a data center, but for all the accessory uses,” Planning Commission member James Dougher added.

The proposed language would also give the zoning board the authority to attach conditions to any approval.

“That would make sure that those requirements are met, or at least the discussion points are addressed,” Dougher said.

The planning commission agreed the changes are necessary to prepare for potential development.

“Other communities are doing this,” Dougher said.

Data centers — facilities that house computer servers requiring heavy power and cooling infrastructure — have been under increased scrutiny across Pennsylvania as townships and boroughs work to determine where they fit within existing zoning maps.

Nearby, Penn Forest Township is already addressing the issue. “

They have a hearing board hearing tonight for the data center at the intersection of Maury Road and Route 903,” assistant borough manager Brooke Klotz said.

Penn Forest is also in the process of revising its zoning code.

Jim Thorpe’s proposed language was developed using a boilerplate provided by Helfrich. Planning members said the draft came from similar ordinances used by other municipalities.

“(Carson) was gracious enough to supply this as kind of a template,” Dougher said. “It’s just something to work from.”

Environmental and visual concerns were also raised. Council on Thursday discussed the importance of preventing water impacts and maintaining adequate buffers.

“We need to make sure that doesn’t affect water connections,” Councilman Mike Yeastedt said.

Those kinds of standards, they noted, could be addressed through both zoning and subdivision and land development regulations.

“This is a nonresidential use, so it could be subject to land development review,” Borough Manager Maureen Sterner said.

After reviewing the language, the planning commission agreed on the next step. “They are recommending that this verbiage go to the solicitor for review and to draft an amendment to include data centers in the industrial district as a special exception,” Klotz said.

The borough plans to consult Helfrich for clarification on whether the draft language originated from a stand-alone ordinance or an overlay provision. Officials also plan to check with the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs for model ordinances.

“This is all the rage right now,” Sterner said.