“Numeric Backstop. Sound attributable to the facility, measured at every Property Line, shall not exceed forty (40) dB(A) and fifty (50) dB(C) at any hour of any day, determined by comparison of facility-on and facility-off conditions using the baseline methodology.”

This requirement may be challenging to justify, as these levels are the same as ‘quiet suburban levels’ according to the sound study presented. Most other ordinances that we have reviewed have a higher limit, easier for data centers to meet.

Current justification is based loosely on the County Regional Comprehensive plan, Objective 1, Item 7 “Discourage non-farm uses from locating outside of urban areas, or limit such uses to areas that are appropriate for the development and least disruptive of the natural character, and which are designed to blend with the natural character as much as possible, in order to preserve the natural character of the land or community.”