Thurston County, WA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing standard
- WAC Chapter 173-60
- Industrial EDNA class
- Class C
- Measured at
- Property line
- Generator daytime limit
- 55 dBA (7am-10pm)
- Generator nighttime limit
- 45 dBA (10pm-7am)
Summary
Thurston County caps industrial noise, including data center cooling and generator equipment, at the property line under the state's WAC 173-60 environmental noise standards.
The maximum allowable noise levels as measured at the property line of noise impacted uses or activities shall be those set forth in the Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 173-60, titled "Maximum Environmental Noise Levels," which chapter is incorporated by reference.B.The "Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement" (EDNA) for the several land use classifications of this title shall be as follows:
All living areas (single-family, multifamily, etc.) A All commercial areas B All public/institutional areas A Light industrial, industrial, mineral extraction C
C.Noise levels of any sound source, when measured in the manner and locations prescribed in WAC 173-60 shall not exceed the values shown in Table 21T-14. (Ord. 11274 § 1 (part), 1996)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 77).
Full Breakdown
Data centers fall under the county's light-industrial/industrial use classification, which carries an EDNA 'C' rating under Chapter 21.57. Section 21.57.030 sets maximum property-line noise levels by referencing Washington's Chapter 173-60 WAC standards rather than a locally invented number, and measurement must follow the state protocol. Backup generators are separately capped under Chapter 10.36 at 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime if a complaint is filed by an affected neighbor.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant industrial noise is enforced through the county's environmental performance standards process and can trigger code enforcement action against the permit holder; separate generator noise complaints under Ch. 10.36 are a misdemeanor under 10.36.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
What noise limit applies to a data center in Thurston County?
Do backup generators have a separate noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thurston County
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