• The Lake County Council is poised to adopt an ordinance Tuesday to regulate for the first time the placement and operation of data centers located in unincorporated areas of the county.
  • Under the plan, data centers would only be permitted in light or heavy industrial zoning districts with special approval. Data centers could not be located in any area zoned for business.
  • Data center operators would have to provide a detailed site plan, emergency access plan, proof of sufficient electric and water supply, a renewable resources commitment, a noise mitigation plan and a decommissioning plan, among other requirements.
  • The proposal also mandates data center buildings be set back at least 200 feet from adjacent agricultural or residential property lines, a maximum noise output of 55 decibels, all mechanical equipment out of public view, underground utilities where possible, a security fence at least 6 feet high and annual training for all firefighters serving the data center, as well as other requirements.
  • If enacted, Lake County cities and towns still could set their own data center policies within their boundaries.
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