Draft ordinance sets noise caps, dark-sky lighting and screening rules for data centers

Cassie told the commission the draft includes specific operational limits to reduce neighborhood impacts: an average continuous sound limit not to exceed 60 decibels over any 30-minute period from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and 50 decibels from 6 p.m.–8 a.m., measured at adjacent property boundaries, with the option for the county to require sound studies after issuance of the certificate of occupancy and to levy fines for ongoing violations. "After the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, the county may obtain sound studies or require the data center operator to provide sound studies to verify that the operation is in compliance," Cassie said.