The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Girard Township
Anti-Data Center Policies
Girard Township’s enacted zoning rules limit data centers to industrial land, where only one parcel is designated, and list a $1,000 basic fee plus $100 per square foot in escrow fees.
current law · Girard TownshipRestricts data centers to industrial-zoned property, which currently limits them to one parcel in Girard Township.Girard Township Data Center Zoning Regulation Ordinance (2026)
What this means
The rules would confine data centers to industrial land, and the township has only one such parcel, sharply limiting where they could be built (only one designated industrial parcel). The fee schedule also lists a $1,000 basic fee and a $100-per-square-foot escrow fee for data centers (Data Center fees).
People behind it
- Girard Township Board
Voted unanimously to approve the new data center zoning ordinance and adopted the zoning fee schedule.
- Girard Township Planning Commission
Hosted the July 2 public hearing concerning the proposed data center zoning amendment.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
Data centers may be developed only on property zoned for industrial use, according to the newly enacted industrial-zoning restriction.
A $1,000 basic zoning fee applies to a principal-use data center.
A data center must pay an escrow fee of $100 per square foot, listed as a per-square-foot data center escrow fee.
Failure to obtain the required zoning permit results in a fine equal to three times the original fee, under the triple-fee penalty.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4
The fee schedule creates a defined permitting path for a principal-use data center, with a listed basic zoning fee of $1,000.00. principal use ... Data Center
Changes to a data center site plan made before a permit is issued do not incur an additional fee. No fee will be charged for changes to a site plan prior to the issuance of a permit
After a permit is issued, minor changes or additions may be made without charge if the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator allows them. Minor changes or additions made after a permit is issued may be made at no charge
Minor changes or additions that require another permit may qualify for 50% of the original zoning fee if the site plan remains valid and the request is made within one year. one (1) year for 50% of original zoning fee
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data