County data center task force reviews draft rules: 1,000-foot setbacks and a 45-decibel noise cap
A decommissioning requirement was added after public testimony; the task force reviews the full draft again Oct. 14.
URBANA - Champaign County's data center task force was set to review draft zoning rules Wednesday evening that would keep large data centers at least 1,000 feet from neighboring homes and limit their noise to 45 decibels, according to the task force's agenda and packet.
The Oct. 2 draft defines a big data center as one with at least 10,000 square feet of processing area or a total power rating of 24 megawatts or more. Roof-mounted chillers would have to be at least 1,500 feet from the nearest home or other principal building. A neighbor could reduce the separation by signing a private waiver.
County zoning staff also added a decommissioning requirement. A staff memo says the task force did not ask for it, but testimony at its Sept. 21 meeting was compelling.
Wednesday's agenda items were for discussion only. The task force plans to review the draft ordinance again Oct. 14.
Source: Champaign County Data Center Activities Task Force agenda and packet, Oct. 7, 2026.