Gilpin supervisors consider hefty zoning ordinance amendment
Gilpin Township supervisors are considering significant amendments to the township's zoning ordinance, including new regulations for potential data centers. These updates focus on stricter sound standards, baseline sound studies, and ongoing compliance requirements. A public hearing is scheduled for July 21 to gather residents' opinions on the proposed changes.
Gilpin Township supervisors are proposing a series of comprehensive amendments to the township's zoning ordinance, with a particular focus on increasing regulation for potential data center developments. The changes aim to update the existing data center ordinance by bolstering sound standards. Supervisor Charles Stull stated that the proposed updates would include mandatory sound testing, baseline sound studies prior to construction, a review of low-frequency noise and humming, and continuous compliance checks once a data center is operational.
Stull clarified that the township cannot implement an outright ban on data centers due to state laws prohibiting exclusionary zoning. Instead, the amendments are designed to enhance existing regulations by limiting where data centers can be located, requiring conditional use hearings with full public input, and setting strict standards for aspects such as setbacks, noise, environmental impact, infrastructure, and safety. This approach, he explained, ensures a thorough vetting process with community involvement if a data center project is ever proposed. The amendments also address other zoning uses, similar use reviews, private non-commercial garages, seasonal campgrounds, and affect all zoning districts, including recreational, residential, business, agricultural, and industrial zones.