Read the Draft Ordinance

Below you will find a summary of the main features of the proposed draft ordinance, focusing on the changes and new requirements for data centers, as well as the creation of a Data Center Overlay District. Maps associated with the Data Center Overlay District will be published soon.

The deadline to submit feedback is July 27, 2025.

Review the Draft Ordinance PDF. Share your feedback.

Note: Italics = existing content in data center regulations.

1. Definitions

• Data Center: Clearly defined as a facility housing computer systems and related infrastructure.
• Data Processing Facility: Defined separately to distinguish from data centers.
• Daytime/Nighttime: Explicit definitions for noise regulation (Daytime: 7 am–10 pm; Nighttime: 10 pm–7 am).
• Footprint: Defined as the total ground area of all buildings/structures on a lot.

2. Accessory Data Centers

• Permitted as an accessory use if:
  • Located on the same site as the primary use.
  • Operated by the primary user for its own data.
  • The area does not exceed 25% of the primary use’s gross floor area.
• Exempt from certain development requirements (subsection (c)).

3. Development Requirements for Data Centers

• Utilities: Must use public water and sewer.
• Cooling: Any water cooling system must use closed-loop or recycled systems; flushing and refills are regulated by local authorities.
• Setbacks:
  • 200 feet from all lot lines and 500 feet from the Rural Areas zoning district (outside overlay).
  • 200 feet from overlay district boundaries (inside overlay).

4. Generator & Energy Storage Regulations

• Routine generator maintenance only Mon–Fri, 10 am–4 pm.
• Generators must be enclosed to limit noise (70 dBA at 23 ft) and meet EPA Tier 4 emission standards.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems are permitted.

5. Landscaping & Screening

• Fencing cannot be in front of landscaping along roads; barbed wire is prohibited.
• Minimum of three staggered rows of approved evergreen trees adjacent to roads/residential/rural areas.
• Plantings may be strategically located to reduce noise and block views.

6. Building Design Standards

• Facades visible from public streets or residential/rural zones must break up mass every 100 feet with:
  • Height changes or step-backs/recesses.
  • Changes in materials, pattern, texture, or color.
• The main entrance must be differentiated.
• Certain materials (e.g., aluminum siding, vinyl siding, T1-11, etc.) are prohibited.

7. Noise Limits & Studies

• Noise Limits: 60 dBA (day), 55 dBA (night), measured at property line or overlay boundary.
• Exemptions: Demolition, emergency events, generator testing (10 am–4 pm).
• Noise Studies:
  • Pre-construction sound modeling by a licensed engineer.
  • Post-construction sound study within 60 days of occupancy or upon request.
  • Mitigation measures are required if limits are exceeded.

8. Equipment Screening

• All cooling, ventilation, and operational equipment must be enclosed or screened from public view.
• Emergency generators must be in Level 3 enclosures.

9. Special Use Permit Requirements

• Data centers requiring a special use permit must disclose how they will be supplied with power.
• Certain requirements (e.g., accessory use criteria, utility requirements) cannot be modified or waived by special exception.

10. Data Center Overlay District (New Zoning Layer)

• Purpose: Direct data centers to areas with adequate infrastructure and minimal impact on neighbors/resources.
• Boundaries: Defined as “Tier 1” and “Tier 2” on official maps.
• Permitted Uses:
  • Tier 1: Data centers up to 125,000 sq ft by right; larger by special use permit.
  • Tier 2: Data centers up to 500,000 sq ft by right; larger by special use permit.
  • All other uses as allowed in the underlying zoning.