Denville is moving to keep large-scale computing operations out of town. Draft zoning language in the township planner’s memo attached to Ordinance 22-26, the land use code update listed for introduction at the Township Council’s Oct. 6 meeting, would prohibit artificial intelligence data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities and other “high-intensity computing facilities” in every zoning district.
The draft defines that kind of facility as one whose main job is continuous, large-scale data processing and that needs things like round-the-clock industrial operation, dense server clusters, heavy-duty cooling, electrical demand well above a comparable office, or extra backup power. It could not operate in Denville in any form, including as an accessory use or home occupation.
The stated reasons center on infrastructure: heavy and constant demand on electrical, water and stormwater systems, plus noise, vibration and heat from cooling and generator equipment. The draft also notes these sites tend to employ few permanent workers. The township found that no such facility currently exists in Denville, so none would be grandfathered as a nonconforming use.
A second section targets smaller “AI data nodes,” such as edge computing units, micro data centers and inference servers, including containerized units. Those would also be banned in all zones, even as an accessory use. An anti-segmentation clause treats equipment spread across several buildings, parcels or tenants that works as one system as a single prohibited use, and no zoning, construction or electrical permit could be issued for one. The zoning officer would decide whether a proposal qualifies.
Ordinary server rooms and IT equipment that support an office, school, medical practice, research lab, manufacturer or municipal use would still be allowed, as would telecommunications infrastructure regulated by state or federal law.
The same ordinance carries the looser fence rules we reported on Oct. 8. It lists the council’s Nov. 10, 2026 regular meeting for final adoption, which comes after a public hearing. Residents can read the full draft language in the Oct. 6 council agenda packet on the township website, or stop by the Denville Municipal Building with questions.
Featured image: Township of Denville.
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