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Planners flag water‑use and noise questions as township prepares data‑center ordinance
Summary
The commission reviewed a proposed data‑center ordinance and urged closer attention to noise thresholds, water‑use controls for cooling, and clearer definitions. Staff suggested Tri County produce a model ordinance/toolkit for smaller municipalities.
A township proposal to add data‑center provisions to its zoning code prompted questions from Perry County commissioners about noise, water consumption and definitions. Staff noted the draft ordinance referenced decibel thresholds and an industrial/business zoning category that did not appear in the township’s district list; the commission recommended a mandatory noise study and clearer definitions to distinguish large data centers from traditional commercial uses.
Commissioners emphasized the water‑use concern for cooling operations, noting municipal water systems and peak hourly demands must be considered. One attendee said many modern data centers use closed cooling systems but peak demands occur and municipalities should avoid averaging that masks peak consumption. Members also discussed power‑capacity constraints and cogeneration options; in some cases data centers install dedicated generation capacity to meet energy needs.
Staff suggested that Tri County consider preparing a model ordinance or toolkit for townships that lack the resources to draft highly technical provisions. Commissioners agreed that a model approach would help smaller municipalities regulate noise, water use, screening, and definition/land‑use compatibility without starting from scratch.
Next steps: staff will follow up in the Tri County meeting and work on a fact sheet and possible model ordinance language to present to townships.
