Peoria, IL Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise standard
- Same as Section 4.5.7 industrial limits
- Container ban
- Cargo containers and trailers prohibited
- Affidavit deadline
- 30 days after commencing operations
- Affidavit contents
- Measurer's qualifications and decibel readings
- City verification
- Independent noise re-measurement can be required
Summary
Data centers in Peoria cannot exceed the noise levels set for industrial districts, and operators must prove it. Section 5.3.4.B of the Unified Development Code bans cargo-container construction, ties data center noise to the citywide Industrial Districts Performance Standards in Section 4.5.7, and requires a sworn affidavit with decibel measurements within 30 days of startup, subject to independent verification by the City.
B.Data Center1.The use of cargo containers, railroad cars, semi-truck trailers and other similar storage containers for any component of the operation is strictly prohibited.2.The use shall be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so as not to cause noise in excess of the maximum noise levels established in Section 4.5.7 Industrial Districts Performance Standards.3.Within 30 days of commencing operations, the Building Permit applicant shall submit an affidavit containing the following:a.Name and qualifications of the person who performed the noise measurements;b.Measured decibel levels;c.A statement affirming the measurement was done in the manner outlined in Section 4.5.7; andd.A statement affirming the sound emission levels do not exceed the allowable octave band sound pressure levels of Section 4.5.7.4.The city reserves the right to require independent verification of noise measurements.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 119).
Full Breakdown
B, Data Center, sits within the Industrial Use Performance Standards chapter and imposes four numbered requirements. First, 'the use of cargo containers, railroad cars, semi-truck trailers and other similar storage containers for any component of the operation is strictly prohibited,' closing off a common cost-cutting construction method for server buildings. 7 Industrial Districts Performance Standards,' meaning data centers do not get their own noise ceiling but instead must meet the same octave-band sound pressure limits that apply to every industrial use in the city. 7, and a statement confirming the sound levels do not exceed the allowable octave band sound pressure levels of that same section.
Fourth, 'the city reserves the right to require independent verification of noise measurements,' letting the Building Permit office order a second, city-commissioned reading if it doubts the operator's own affidavit. 2, a documented noise violation under this standard can also feed back into review of the underlying special use approval.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Section 4.5.7 industrial noise limits, using cargo containers or trailers as part of the facility, or failing to file the 30-day post-startup noise affidavit violates Section 5.3.4.B. The City can order independent noise verification at the operator's expense, and a substantiated noise violation can support code enforcement action or review of the data center's underlying special use approval under Section 2.9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Peoria set a special noise limit just for data centers?
What must a data center operator submit after opening in Peoria?
Can Peoria double-check a data center's self-reported noise readings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Peoria
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