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Whitestown staff proposes UDO noise rules for data centers, including generator limits and mandatory sound modeling
Summary
Planning staff presented draft UDO language to control generator testing and require site-specific sound modeling for data centers, proposing a 70‑decibel limit at 730 feet, enclosed generators, and ISO‑standard modeling prior to development‑plan approval; staff expects a March recommendation.
Town planning staff presented draft amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance intended to limit noise from data centers and associated generators and to require site‑specific sound modeling before development-plan approval.
The draft would add new language to use limitation 27 (pages 26–27 of the draft): routine generator maintenance and testing would be limited to Monday–Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; generators must be enclosed and limit sound to 70 decibels measured 730 feet from the generator; on‑site equipment must comply with section 4.6 sound-performance standards; and on‑site generators must meet or exceed EPA Tier 4 emission standards. Staff also proposed sound‑modeling studies prepared by a licensed professional engineer that demonstrate compliance with maximum sound levels specific to site topography, layout and building design, and that mitigation measures be shown on site plans when necessary.
"The study must be specific to the proposed site topography, layout, and building type" and be prepared in accordance with "ISO 9,613 standards," staff said during the presentation. Staff told commissioners that mitigation measures would not be required if modeling shows compliance with section 4.6 maximum sound levels, but that post‑development sound studies can be requested by planning if needed.
Staff discussed a site tour of a roughly 19,200‑square‑foot facility as an example of scale; they noted that data centers come in many sizes and suggested a tiered regulatory approach keyed to facility size and intensity. A commissioner noted that the tour also showed lower-than-expected water consumption at that facility.
Why it matters: diesel generator tests are a frequent source of noise complaints in industrial areas; the draft gives the planning department tools to require modeling, to limit routine testing hours and to require enclosures and mitigation for onsite generation. Staff said it hopes to return with a formal recommendation at the March meeting and will circulate the draft for additional commissioner feedback.
Key details from the record: proposed generator testing hours (Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.), a 70 dB limit measured at 730 feet, required compliance with section 4.6, ISO‑standardized sound modeling and possible tiered rules by data‑center size; post‑construction sound studies can be required within 60 days of certificate-of-occupancy issuance for each phase.
Next steps: staff will incorporate commissioner feedback, circulate the draft, and aim to present a recommendation at the March meeting.
