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.
Polk Township
Anti-Data Center Policies
Polk Township limits data centers to industrial zones and requires conditional-use approval, which may delay projects. Requirements for water, emergency access, fencing, a gated entrance, and at least five acres add costs and constrain sites.
current law · Polk TownshipRequires data centers in Polk Township to meet water and emergency-access requirements, have a gated entrance and fence, occupy at least five acres, and receive conditional-use approval in industrial zones.Polk Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania Data Center Ordinance
What this means
The measure limits data centers to industrial zones and requires conditional-use approval, which can add delay and uncertainty. It also sets requirements for water, emergency access, fencing, a gated entrance, and a minimum five-acre site, adding meaningful costs and limits.
People behind it
- Polk Township supervisors
Held the ordinance hearing and adopted the data center ordinance.
- Polk Township
Establishes the STR ordinance’s rental rules and provides the STR permit application.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements6
Data centers require conditional-use approval in industrial zones. conditional use in industrial zones
The ordinance imposes a water requirement. a water requirement
Sites must provide emergency access. emergency access
Sites must have a gated entrance. gated entrance
Sites must have a fence. a fence
A data center site must be at least 5 acres. no less than 5 acres
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Data centers may be sited as a conditional use in industrial zones, subject to the conditional-use process (“Data centers are a conditional use in industrial zones”).
Sources
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