What: a working draft noise ordinance for data centers prepared by staff for the Data Center Subcommittee, part of the rules work under Data Center Moratorium and Rules.
Where it stands: reviewed October 7; no vote. Setbacks and sound limits are bracketed draft numbers.
Next: resident input gathered October 14, then public safety, fire and police topics at the next subcommittee meeting.
Draft contents
Noise mitigation plan, continuous monitoring and an applicant-funded independent acoustical consultant; no waivers by private agreement.
Compliance points toward protected properties within 3,000 feet, at the property line and 25 feet from the nearest dwelling.
Tiers by total connected load at full buildout, no segmentation; bracketed setbacks from 500 to 1,500 feet; a 55 dB limit for protected uses under discussion.
Generator testing notice, record keeping, public posting of monitoring data and penalties pending legal review.
2026-10-07 - Data Center Subcommittee Meeting - Staff walked through the draft; a member questioned high industrial limits for 24/7 operation; staff agreed to ask about obtaining ASHRAE Standard 90.4. No vote.