Setbacks, overlays and building classes: what Augusta's draft ordinance would require

At the meeting Planning and Development staff described how the proposed data‑center overlay would sit on top of existing zoning and impose more restrictive design and siting standards where needed.

Staff explained that an overlay applies additional restrictions to an underlying district — for example it could lower the allowable building height and increase setbacks or facade requirements. The director said the draft keeps a 500‑foot setback from residential property lines for large centers, a 50‑foot setback in designated commercial areas for some smaller facilities, a 25‑foot setback for light industrial areas, and 0–10 feet in heavy industrial zones for campus‑type facilities.

The draft also categorizes data centers by size and use. Staff said some small "accessory" or "minor" data centers (under roughly 2,000 sq ft up to about 19,000 sq ft) may be permitted by right in commercial districts, while medium, major and campus facilities would require review by the Planning Commission and the Augusta decision makers.

Noise standards and facade/landscaping requirements are part of the overlay; staff said nighttime noise limits have been tightened and that tree protection, landscape plans and planting requirements are included in the proposed code.