Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/01/2013

Home

Upon completion of the public open house in April, Staff analyzed input received from surrounding property owners and attempted to address common concerns raised in relation to the proposed data center development. The purpose of the information below is to (A) identify concerns that were raised; and, (B) attempt to provide the Council with a options to mitigate said concerns. This information is broken down into two sections. The first section (open house) outlines specific concerns with specific mitigation options. The second section (revised feasibility and concept maps) includes updated analytical information based the mitigation options presented by Staff. SECTION 1: OPEN HOUSE Concerns listed below were raised at the public Open House regarding the development of the Subject Property for a data center user(s). Noise A number of residents raised concerns regarding the noise data center generators and air conditioning units would create. Data centers do require significantly sized backup power generators. Additionally, data centers do create a significant level of heat due to the extensive use of computer servers; therefore, significant use of air-conditioning units is required. Both types of equipment, generators and air conditioning units, do create noise pollution. However, it is important to note, generators will only be operational in situations where regular power supply is lost/threatened and during monthly testing. Generators are not run regularly. Noise pollution concerns can be mitigated with proper land use regulations. For example, increased building setbacks, requiring enclosed/indoor storage of generators, requiring air conditioning units to be located at the center of building rooftops and establishing noise restrictions on the Subject Property. For example, the Cities of Anoka and Chaska have noise decibel (dB) restrictions; 65Db and 55dB respectively. The City of Ramsey could consider adopting a noise decibel (dB) restriction on the Subject Property of 55dB. 55dB is often compared to office noise, normal conversation, living room in suburban area, typical business office, library, moderate sound and a quiet house. It should be noted that the City currently has dB restrictions within the existing City Code that are fairly close to the above samples. The City could choose to establish site -specific noise regulations through a number of tools. Visual/Aesthetics A number of residents raised concerns regarding the "look" and "presence" of a data center facility. Further, it has been stated a data center building would be an "eye sore." At full build out, a data center structure would be significantly sized when compared to surrounding single family residential structures. It is staff's estimation the site could sustain a maximum 195,000 square foot building. Visual/Aesthetic concerns can be mitigated through land use regulations. For example, the City could require larger building setbacks, dictate a maximum building height, require a high standard of building materials and mandate proper screening (e.g. landscaping, berming plantings, etc.). In addition, the City has the ability to establish architectural standards in addition to the above bulk standards to make the architecture more conducive of a residential surrounding. Regarding the view of generators and water tanks, the City has the ability to require said units be enclosed or even located indoors. It is important to note, the City can mitigate the visual/aesthetic effect of a data center development; however, it cannot not eliminate said concern. Traffic A number of residents raised concerns regarding traffic. Some residents were concerned that busy data center employees would drive carelessly through surrounding neighborhoods and decrease safety.