Falls considers limitations on data centers, senior living facilities
Cuyahoga Falls officials are considering development-code amendments that would limit where data centers can operate, cap each building at 5,000 square feet, and restrict power, water use and noise. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed regulations Nov. 9, with the rules applying only to new facilities.
Cuyahoga Falls City Council held a public hearing on proposed data center regulations that would limit new facilities to industrial and commercial districts, cap power consumption at 5 megawatts, and require approval from the city’s Electric and Water departments. The proposed code would also impose a 5,000-square-foot maximum per building, a 70-decibel daytime noise limit and compliance with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency air and water standards.
Deputy Community Development Director Carrie Snyder said the city is taking a targeted approach because it operates its own electric and water utilities, while three residents called for stricter protections over noise and pollution concerns. The council is scheduled to vote on the amendments Nov. 9. Separately, the council authorized a $1.8 million contract with Virginia Transformer for a substation transformer.