Data Centers

The county's subdivision and land development ordinance defines data centers and related terms and outlines specific-use criteria and the decommissioning processes. The ordinance requires data centers to adhere to use-specific standards regarding building placement and orientation, height, setbacks, parking, off street loading, noise, negative impacts, safety, power, lighting, fencing, power lines and electric utility substations, on-site power generation, emergency contact, sensitive receptors, buffer yards and screening, community impact analysis, building design, water and sewer, emergency responders, environmental impact assessment, green building, LEED certification, and forest buffers (§5.A-Y). The ordinance also requires data center developments to submit a decommissioning plan that includes financial assurance (§6).