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Board tightens rules for data centers and power generation — adds noise monitoring, setbacks and conditional‑use review
Summary
Frederick County amended its zoning code April 9 to define data centers, require environmental noise impact assessments and monitoring, impose a minimum 200‑foot residential setback, limit generator testing to weekdays, and make data centers conditional uses in several industrial districts.
The Frederick County Board of Supervisors on April 9 adopted an amendment to Chapter 165 of the county code to regulate data centers and separate power generating facilities from transmission/distribution utilities.
Key provisions of the ordinance amendment: - Data centers are defined as premises where computers, telecommunications and related equipment primarily process, store or transfer information, including associated infrastructure such as generators or substations. - Data centers in B‑3 (Industrial Transition), M‑1 (Light Industrial) and M‑2 (Industrial General) zoning districts will require a conditional use permit; the TM (Technology/Manufacturing Park) district remains an allowed use where that district exists. The change removes automatic by‑right approval in the listed districts and…
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