Planning Commission endorses new construction rules, postpones data center regulations
The Cheyenne Planning Commission endorsed proposed updates to the city's Unified Development Code, including stricter construction noise limits, buffers for temporary worker housing, water-use disclosures and utility cost requirements. Data center-specific regulations, including setbacks for facilities with on-site power generation or continuous backup systems, were postponed for two weeks before being sent to the City Council.
The Cheyenne Planning Commission recommended amendments to the city’s Unified Development Code that would impose stricter standards on large construction projects, including data centers. Proposed rules include earlier nighttime noise restrictions, 1,000-foot buffers between temporary workforce housing and schools, churches and neighborhoods, detailed monthly water-use estimates, developer responsibility for utility expansion costs, lighting controls, reclamation guarantees and traffic studies.
The commission delayed consideration of separate data center provisions for two weeks while staff incorporates amendments discussed during the meeting. Those proposed provisions include setbacks of 1 to 2 miles for data centers with on-site power generation and 2,000-foot setbacks for facilities using round-the-clock fuel cells or backup diesel generators. The broader amendments will proceed to the Cheyenne City Council for review, where final approval is required.