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Council postpones vote on construction site rules amid data center noise-related concerns

CHEYENNE — Following extensive discussion over industrial noise standards and their potential impacts on data centers, construction businesses and other industrial operations, members of the Cheyenne City Council voted to postpone consideration of an amendment to the Unified Development Code regarding construction site rules. The ordinance, which was discussed at a council meeting Monday, would create two new sections of the UDC and amend three existing ones. The changes are intended to clarify requirements around establishing uses, including expectations for construction sites, while also addressing concerns about water use, lighting, noise and other impacts associated with large industrial developments. Much of the debate centered on proposed noise limits, which the document states should be 45 decibels in residential areas and 65 decibels everywhere else. Paul Steed, project manager for Mechanical Systems Inc., warned council members that lower noise thresholds could have unintended consequences for local businesses and construction projects. He said reducing allowable noise levels could require expensive mitigation measures, particularly near residential areas. Representatives from the data center industry also supported reasonable noise protections, but questioned whether the proposed standards were appropriate. Chris Tetlow, metro director for Microsoft in Cheyenne, urged council members to retain limits that currently apply