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Board reviews draft data‑center zoning rules; staff tightens noise, generator and site‑assessment requirements
Summary
County planning staff updated a proposed zoning ordinance amendment for data centers and related power facilities, adding stricter noise measures, requirements to enclose or screen generators, and site‑assessment items tied to state code. The board heard a noise consultant’s input and set a follow‑up public hearing April 9.
Frederick County planning staff presented an updated draft zoning ordinance amendment March 26 that would add a data‑center definition, regulate power‑generation equipment and require additional site assessments for large server facilities. The board received consultant input and directed staff to hold a second public hearing April 9.
Why it matters: data centers can require large power inputs, generate noise from backup generators, and prompt transmission or distribution infrastructure changes; the draft amendment is an attempt to give the county clearer review authority and technical standards before commercial developers build large facilities here.
Staff summarized the changes since the board’s March 12 discussion: new or clarified site assessment requirements (water, environment, historic resources and energy availability), stronger noise‑control provisions including a proposed reduction of the county’s maximum allowed industrial noise level from 75 to 70 decibels, and a requirement that on‑site generators be enclosed in manufacturer‑approved enclosures or contained within a primary structure. The proposal also makes data centers a conditional use in some industrial districts so the board reviews major projects.
The board heard from Alexis Kurtz, a board‑certified noise control engineer and acoustical consultant, who recommended precise terminology changes (for example, “environmental noise impact assessment” instead of a generic “noise study”), specified acceptable professional credentials for reviewers and suggested monitoring intervals — including a post‑occupancy monitoring check and a 5‑year recheck or reevaluation following substantial alterations. Staff told the board they will incorporate the consultant’s technical edits in the April agenda packet.
Staff also presented a regional comparison of setback practice; the draft sets a 200‑foot minimum setback from residential zoning for data centers, similar to Loudoun and Fairfax County practices cited in the packet, while other jurisdictions have different thresholds and overlay approaches. Staff noted state law on site assessments is in flux and the county’s draft will be adjusted as the General Assembly acts.
Ending: The board gave direction to incorporate the consultant’s technical recommendations and scheduled a public hearing for April 9 to consider the ordinance changes formalizing the county’s approach to data centers and associated power facilities.
