2026.10.07 Data Center Subcommittee Meeting

The Town of Apex Data Center Subcommittee met on October 7, 2026, to discuss noise from data centers and review a preliminary, unvetted draft of potential noise-ordinance/UDO requirements. The presentation covered continuous noise from equipment such as substations, HVAC systems, cooling towers, and generators; low-frequency measurement; cumulative effects; setbacks and noise barriers; and potential impacts on nearby residents and wildlife. Members discussed draft provisions including sound limits, noise studies and continuous monitoring, independent acoustical consultants paid for by applicants or operators, generator testing notifications, maintenance records, enforcement, and protections for future development. No ordinance was adopted and no votes on procurement were reported.

The subcommittee was asked to review the draft and provide feedback; staff will also collect resident input and continue developing language for future meetings. Members discussed obtaining access to ASHRAE Standard 90.4, with a possible purchase cost of $178, but no purchase was approved; staff will check whether the standard is available through another department or seek approval to acquire it. The draft also leaves potential penalties and some technical thresholds for further review, including legal review.