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Regbase

The Data Center Divide

Franklin Township

This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.

Strongly Anti-Data Center Policies

Franklin Township’s enacted ordinance bars data centers in every zoning district unless zoning rules change; its description conflicts by also calling the ordinance proposed.

current law · Franklin Township
Prohibits data centers, internet data centers, and cloud data centers in every Franklin Township zoning district by amending Chapter 253 to cover facilities supporting cloud computing, cryptocurrency mining, artificial intelligence, and similar functions, while distinguishing—but not authorizing—computer centers.Franklin Township Ordinance O-5-2026 (2026)

What this means

If enacted, the ordinance would prohibit data centers in every zoning district, effectively barring their development and operation unless the township later changes its plans and zoning rules (prohibited uses/structures in all zoning districts). That makes this an outright ban within the township, despite the possibility of future rule changes.

People behind it

  • Moved the motion to introduce Ordinance O-5-2026 and moved its approval for referral and review.

  • Seconded the motion to introduce Ordinance O-5-2026 and the motion for its referral and review.

  • Proposed and introduced the ordinance, referred it to the Planning Board, and scheduled its public hearing and consideration for adoption.

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  • Directed to provide the required statutory notices regarding the ordinance to adjoining municipalities and the Gloucester County Planning Board.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements5

  • Prohibits data centers, internet data centers, and cloud data centers as uses or structures in all Franklin Township zoning districts.

  • Extends the prohibition to functionally equivalent facilities that operate under different names.

  • Defines data centers broadly to include facilities supporting cloud services, video streaming, blockchain and cryptocurrency mining, artificial intelligence and machine learning, virtual reality, and other internet, telecommunications, computing, and data-storage activities.

  • Separates computer centers from data centers: a computer center must involve users convening in person to use on-site workstations in an office or laboratory setting, and the definition expressly excludes data centers.

  • Provides that the prohibition takes effect immediately after adoption and required publication upon filing with the Gloucester County Planning Board.

Sources

current law · Franklin Township
Refers proposed Ordinance O-5-2026 to the Franklin Township Planning Board for review under applicable New Jersey land-use statutes; the resolution was adopted on April 14, 2026, and does not itself enact the proposed zoning amendments.New Jersey R-64-2026 (2026)

What this means

If enacted, the ordinance would define data centers and list them as a prohibited use in every zoning district. Building or expanding one would therefore be barred unless the township later changes its planning and zoning rules.

People behind it

  • Proposed, introduced, and enacted the measure and referred it to the Planning Board for review.

  • Mayor and member of the governing body that introduced and enacted the measure; authorized to execute related agreements.

  • Responsible for reviewing the proposed ordinance and transmitting its consistency report to the Township Committee.

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  • Responsible for providing the statutory notice of the proposed ordinance to adjoining municipalities and the Gloucester County Planning Board.

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  • The proposed ordinance would prohibit data centers, internet data centers, cloud data centers, and functionally equivalent facilities under different names in every Franklin Township zoning district. The prohibition would remain in place unless and until data centers are recommended in the Township Master Plan and expressly designated as permitted or conditionally permitted uses in one or more zoning districts. The definition does not include in-person computer centers or computer labs. Data centers would be prohibited in all zoning districts.

  • Before the proposed data-center prohibition ordinance can proceed, it is referred to the Franklin Township Planning Board, which must prepare and transmit a consistency and land-use report to the Township Committee within 35 days. The Planning Board is requested to prepare and transmit.

Sources

current law · Franklin Township
Establishes a temporary six-month moratorium on data-center development while the Galloway Township Planning Board conducts further study, review, and makes recommendations, and amends Chapter 233 to define “data center” and “computer center.”Galloway Township Ordinance 2172-2026 (2026)

What this means

The proposed ordinance would pause data center development for six months while the Planning Board studies the issue, delaying new projects during that period (temporary six-month moratorium). It is not a permanent ban, but the pause is a major short-term barrier to building or expanding data centers.

Timing

Ends
six months after adoption

The measure establishes a temporary six-month moratorium on the development of data centers pending further study, review, and recommendation by the Galloway Township Planning Board. No extension condition is stated.

People behind it

  • Introduced and considered Ordinance 2172-2026 establishing a temporary six-month moratorium on data centers.

  • Identified as responsible for further study, review, and recommendation concerning the data-center moratorium.

  • Adopted and submitted Ordinance 2172-2026 for review.

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  • Reviewed Galloway Township's ordinance for consistency with the Comprehensive Management Plan.

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  • Imposes a temporary six-month moratorium on the development of data centers while Galloway Township conducts further study and awaits review and recommendations from the Planning Board.

Sources

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