Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ordinance committee recommends zoning rules and schedules public hearing for data centers
Summary
The Joint Ordinance Committee recommended adding zoning regulations for data centers—defining small vs large (40,000 sq ft / 10 MW threshold), requiring decommissioning plans and bonds, limiting noise to 55 dBA, and setting a public meeting and signage requirements—and scheduled a public hearing for June 25.
The Joint Ordinance Committee reviewed zoning language to regulate data centers, a topic raised during citizens' comments. Committee members proposed defining small vs large facilities by a 40,000 square‑foot and 10 megawatt threshold; small facilities would be allowed by right in the industrial district, while other districts and large facilities would require special use permits.
Committee members recommended requiring decommissioning plans with a county bond to guarantee removal if a facility shuts down, limiting noise to no more than 55 decibels (A‑weighted), establishing setbacks (proposed 60 feet from property lines) and vegetative buffers to mitigate noise and visual impacts. Before the county hearing, the committee recommended that applicants hold community meetings and add enhanced neighborhood notification including on‑site signage so potentially affected residents are aware of proposals.
The committee voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on the draft ordinance for June 25.
