The use table allows data centers only through special-use review in the I, HI, and EX districts and lists them as prohibited in the other districts shown. Data Centers

The additional standards apply to every data center development and to cumulative expansions of an existing center exceeding 20,000 square feet. every data center development

A data center building generally cannot be within 1,000 feet of a residential district. The Department may approve a location between 500 and 1,000 feet only if a site-specific noise study demonstrates compliance with the applicable noise limits. no closer than 500 feet

The site must be designed so the data center does not exceed predevelopment noise levels at neighboring residential properties; a noise study must assess the impact and verify consistency with County noise rules. A noise study shall be submitted

Except along lot lines adjoining an existing office or industrial park or an existing industrial use, buffers, street trees, berming, and landscaping must be upgraded where appropriate to mask the development. Buildings must meet the standards for large industrial structures. bufferyards, street trees, berming and landscaping

Traffic estimates must use the latest published ITE manual. A data center cannot be converted to a use that exceeds the approved Transportation Improvement Study or equivalent unless a new study is completed and approved. latest published ITE manual

Open-loop or once-through cooling is prohibited unless reclaimed water is used. Open-loop or once-through cooling is prohibited

Generators must be Tier IV or use alternative technologies the applicant demonstrates are more efficient and have less environmental impact. All generators shall be Tier IV

Proposed energy storage systems must employ fire-safe technologies determined and approved by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. approved by the State Fire Marshall’s Office

New or expanded facilities must submit documentation outlining operation of the building as a LEED-certified building. LEED certified building

Every data center must reserve an area for future integration with onsite or communal microgrid components, including generation, storage, distribution, control, and metering or billing systems. must reserve an area

If a data center is out of active operation for more than six months, the operator or owner must notify the Department in writing. After one year without operation, it is considered abandoned; the operator or owner must resume operations and schedule an inspection, or remove all equipment and systems within six months. Within two years of abandonment, the site must be restored or a land-use application for a new use submitted. out of active operation for more than 6 months

Before a building permit is issued, the operator or owner must provide financial assurance acceptable to the Department covering 100% of the anticipated cost of removing site improvements and restoring the site after abandonment. A decommissioning report is required, and the assurance must remain in effect, be renewed every five years, and be revised as needed for inflation or cost changes. 100% of the anticipated cost

The operator or owner must provide the Department an annual report indicating compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. supply an annual report

Data centers may seek special-use approval in certain zoning districts; they are not prohibited in every district. The use table marks data centers for special use review.

The Department may approve a data center building less than 1,000 feet from a residential district, but not closer than 500 feet, if a site-specific noise study demonstrates compliance with the applicable noise limits. The Department may approve data center structures located less than 1,000 feet.

Generators may use technologies other than Tier IV if the applicant demonstrates that they are more efficient and have less environmental impact. or other technologies that the applicant can demonstrate.

Open-loop or once-through cooling is allowed when reclaimed water is used; otherwise it is prohibited. unless reclaimed water is used.

Data centers must reserve space for possible future integration with onsite or communal microgrid components, enabling that option without requiring the components to be installed. reserve an area for future integration.