Planning board adds data-center definition to warrant, asks for noise and power criteria and peer review options

The Town of Northborough Planning Board reviewed and agreed to place a drafted data-center definition and special-permit criteria on the town-meeting warrant on Jan. 20, while asking staff to add clearer quantitative benchmarks and a mechanism for technical peer review.

Planner staff presented a definition synthesized from model bylaws and neighboring towns and suggested special-permit criteria to address typical concerns such as power demand, noise from chillers and generators, and water use. Board members debated whether data centers consume large amounts of water (citing conflicting articles) and whether the board should require recycled water, set a minimum separation distance from residences, or add a firm decibel limit measured at property lines. Several members recommended a pre/post noise test conducted while the facility is at typical operating conditions, and the board discussed including generator-noise expectations and seasonally comparable testing.

Members also discussed whether to allow data centers only in industrial districts by special permit or to set uses to 'no' temporarily while the town finalizes standards. The board agreed to include the definition and draft special-permit language for public hearing, noted peer review is available under existing planning rules, and suggested staff add more numeric limits (for example, a 5-dB change threshold) and considerations about sustainability and power-source reporting.

Board members asked staff to consult neighboring communities, review model performance standards, and consider whether a short moratorium is needed if the town wants to prevent conversions of warehouse space before rules are finalized. The issue will be on the zoning public hearing agenda, where the board expects more detailed public input and the opportunity to refine numeric criteria.