Ordinance drafted for data center development in Somerset County
Somerset County officials are proposing new guidelines for data center developments to ensure public welfare. The draft ordinance would mandate onsite power, restrict noise and water usage, and limit locations. A public hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, with a potential vote sooner than October 6th.
Somerset County officials are drafting comprehensive guidelines for future data center developments, aiming to prioritize public welfare, according to their media partners at The Tribune Democrat. The proposed regulations would impose strict requirements on developers, including the necessity of an onsite power source capable of exceeding the center's maximum usage, restrictions on noise levels, and limitations on water consumption and facility locations.
The County Solicitor emphasized that while a direct ban on data center activity is not permissible, the county can implement regulations to address community concerns regarding health and safety. The draft ordinance is currently available for public review on the County's Planning Commission website.
A public hearing is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 PM in the Commissioners Board Room, where community members can provide feedback. Commissioners stressed that the proposal is not final, and a vote on the ordinance could occur during a future public meeting, potentially sooner than October 6th, if approved.