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Commission debates noise limits and backup-generator limits for data centers
Summary
Robert Busby urged a lower noise standard — 50–55 dB at the property line — and commissioners discussed restricting backup generators to emergency power and capping annual runtime; language from Busby's Section 13.9 was proposed to be added to Section 9.5.3.
The Planning Commission debated acceptable noise limits for data centers and how to regulate backup power. Secretary Robert Busby said 65 dB at the property line was too high and suggested a 50–55 dB limit, and the commission discussed adding generator restrictions that would limit runtime and bar generators from serving as the primary power source.
Tatum Couture asked whether backup generators could be located inside buildings or better screened; commissioners proposed inserting Busby's Back-Up Generator Standards (Section 13.9) language into the draft to clarify that generators are for emergency use only and to establish maximum annual run hours. No numeric runtime cap was finalized.
