Parish Council unanimously approves first data center regulations
The St. Charles Parish Council unanimously approved an ordinance to establish the parish's first zoning regulations for data centers. These new rules define data centers and set requirements for setbacks, landscaping, buffering, equipment screening, and noise limits. The decision follows weeks of discussion and comes after the council previously rejected a proposed moratorium on new data centers.
The St. Charles Parish Council has unanimously approved a landmark ordinance, establishing the parish's first comprehensive zoning regulations specifically for data centers. The new rules define data centers and permit them in M-1 and M-2 industrial districts, provided they adhere to stipulated zoning standards.
The ordinance introduces several key requirements, including specific setbacks, landscaping, buffering, equipment screening, and noise limitations. Notably, data centers relying on onsite power generation for normal operations are restricted to M-2 heavy industrial districts, while facilities in M-1 light industrial districts may only use emergency or backup generators. Noise generated by data centers is capped at 55 decibels when measured at adjacent property lines near residential or noise-sensitive areas, with backup generator testing limited to weekdays during specific hours.
This legislative action comes after extensive discussions involving parish officials, the legislative committee, and the Department of Planning and Zoning. It also follows the council's rejection of a proposed eight-month moratorium on new data centers less than two months prior. Planning and Zoning Director Michael Albert explained that the regulations were drafted to address a gap in the existing ordinance, which did not specifically cover data centers. Parish President Matthew Jewell and Councilwoman Michelle O'Daniels expressed confidence that these regulations, coupled with technological advancements in the industry, will protect residents while signaling that St. Charles Parish is open for investment.
Entergy Louisiana's Vice President of Business and Economic Development, Michelle Bourg, praised the council's proactive approach, noting that clarity in regulations sends a positive signal to potential developers interested in the state. Despite calls from a local resident, Milton Allemand, to delay action and implement a moratorium for further research, the council moved forward with the unanimous approval.