Cleveland County adopts interim development standards for data centers

County planning staff presented a text amendment (planning case 26-09) to add Section 12-164—new development standards tailored to data centers—with the stated goal of promoting compatibility with neighboring properties and minimizing noise and other impacts. Staff said the rules would apply to new facilities and add requirements such as 100‑foot setbacks from property lines, 500‑foot separation from residential zoning districts, generator screening and enclosure, daylight-only generator testing (7 a.m.–7 p.m.), letters from utility providers confirming capacity, and emergency-access site-plan requirements.