Data centers can be compatible with many industrial and commercial zones, but ordinances should address noise, screening, backup power, lighting, setbacks, traffic, and utility infrastructure.
Review mechanical equipment, cooling systems, generators, transformers, and testing schedules.
Require reasonable visual screening for equipment yards, generators, substations, and service areas.
Setbacks should account for neighboring uses, noise-producing equipment, and emergency access.
Exterior lighting should support security while limiting glare and spillover.
Require testing limits, sound controls, fuel storage safeguards, and emergency response information.
Construction traffic may be significant, while normal operations usually have lower daily traffic than many commercial uses.
A vague ban on "large data centers" may create legal and economic uncertainty without addressing the real impacts.
Ordinances are stronger when they define noise limits, reporting requirements, water disclosure, utility review, emergency access, and screening standards.