Frederick County, VA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)

Frederick County built its data center noise-control standard around a two-stage study requirement rather than a single numeric decibel ceiling in the text itself. A(5)(a) requires the applicant to submit an Environmental Noise Impact Assessment prepared by a qualified full member of the Acoustical Society of America, a member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering, or a member of the National Association of Acoustical Consultants. The assessment must be modeled in SoundPLAN, CadnaA, or an accepted equivalent, must model anticipated noise levels from the facility's operation, and must establish a baseline noise level before the rezoning or CUP is approved, giving the County a documented benchmark before construction begins.

Subsection A(5)(b) then requires a second, post-construction noise study certifying actual noise levels 12 months after the first certificate of occupancy issues, and again every five years after that for the life of the facility, with every study submitted to the Zoning Administrator for review of the completed project's real-world impact. 4:2014, a minimum of three readings are averaged, three decibels are subtracted when background noise equals the section's limiting levels, and measurements are taken at the property boundary. If a post-construction study exceeds the maximum noise level permitted, the operator must add mitigation strategies, improvements, or operational changes, and any later addition, alteration or expansion of the facility triggers a fresh noise impact assessment before the Zoning Administrator can approve it.