WARREN COUNTY, N.J. — Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III has shared a model ordinance with mayors and governing bodies across the county to help municipalities evaluate proposals for large-scale data centers and their potential effects on local communities, infrastructure and environmental resources.
Kern, a member of the Warren County Planning Board, said the ordinance is intended as a planning tool as interest in data center development grows across New Jersey. The document is advisory and does not require municipalities to take action. Instead, it is designed to support local discussion about how data center projects align with municipal master plans, zoning objectives and community priorities.
“Many Warren County residents rely on private wells for their drinking water, and protecting those water supplies must be a priority,” Kern said. “At the same time, our county sits at the heart of the New Jersey Highlands, one of the most critical drinking water regions in the state. More than seventy percent of New Jersey residents receive some or all of their drinking water from the Highlands, which means land use decisions here carry consequences well beyond our local borders.”
Warren County lies largely within the New Jersey Highlands, an area known for its groundwater resources, surface waters and protected landscapes. County officials said those resources support residents, businesses, agriculture and tourism and are key to long-term economic stability. The model ordinance encourages municipalities to consider groundwater availability, water quality protection and sustainable resource use as part of land use planning.
The ordinance also addresses infrastructure considerations. Large-scale data centers can require significant electrical capacity and supporting systems that may exceed the demands of traditional commercial or industrial uses. The framework is intended to help municipalities assess those impacts while maintaining local land use authority under state law.
Under the model ordinance, data centers would be designated as a nonpermitted use across all zoning districts if a municipality determines that approach is appropriate based on local conditions. Municipal officials are encouraged to consult with municipal attorneys, planners and land use professionals when reviewing the ordinance.
“This is about giving towns the tools they need to make informed decisions that protect residents, natural resources, and community character,” Kern said. “Local governments, with the right tools and information, are best positioned to decide what fits within their communities.”
The model ordinance has been distributed to Warren County municipalities for consideration as part of their ongoing land use and planning efforts.
