Cheyenne planners back construction rules, delay data rules

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Proposed rules tightening construction noise limits, separating temporary workforce housing from nearby communities and requiring more detailed water-use disclosures are headed to the Cheyenne City Council. Standards specifically governing data centers will wait another two weeks.

The Cheyenne Planning Commission endorsed most of the proposed Unified Development Code amendments Monday, Oct. 19. The changes focus largely on major construction projects, as the city works to bring development standards in line with large industrial projects like data centers.

Data center construction typically takes multiple years, extending its effects on traffic, noise and lighting. The proposed amendments address those concerns, but they still need City Council approval.

Construction requirements advance

Under the proposed changes to Section 1.4.3, stricter nighttime noise limits would begin earlier. The daily window before those stricter limits apply would change from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The same section would require a 1,000-foot buffer between temporary workforce housing and neighborhoods, churches and schools. Such housing sometimes accompanies large data center projects.

For construction sites over 5 acres, amendments to Section 5.8.9 would require developers to:

• Submit site layout plans to the city.
• Use downward-facing, shielded lighting at property lines.
• Provide 125% financial security for site reclamation.
• Submit traffic impact studies if more than 100 workers are expected at any given time.

Developers would also have to disclose estimated monthly water consumption in gallons under changes to Section 4.5.3. The existing requirements call for a "demonstration of adequate water and sanitary sewer utility systems" and "adequate water and sanitary sewer capacity", but do not require specific volumetric data.

Proposed amendments to Section 4.5.4 would make developers responsible for all construction costs associated with required system expansion and utility improvements.

Data center standards remain pending

The commission postponed changes to Section 5.7.1, which would establish development rules specifically for data centers, to allow staff to organize and incorporate amendments recommended and approved during the meeting.

Those amendments include 1- to 2-mile setbacks for data centers with on-site power generation facilities and 2,000-foot setbacks for facilities operating round-the-clock fuel cells or backup diesel generators.

The Planning Commission is a volunteer-led body that reviews planning proposals before they reach the City Council for a vote. Its recommendations on the remaining amendments now move to the council for review. If approved, those changes would establish clearer, stricter requirements for long-term construction projects within Cheyenne city limits.

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