Sangamon County, IL Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise limit
- 50 decibels at property line
- Applies when
- Adjacent to residence/district
- Enforced by
- State of Illinois and county
- Adopted
- Res. 4-1, July 8, 2025
Summary
Data centers sited in unincorporated Sangamon County can't exceed 50 decibels at the property line when adjacent to a home or residential district.
F. Noise. Noise levels measured at the property line shall not exceed fifty (50) decibels when located adjacent to an existing residence or residential district. Noise levels shall be enforced by both the State of Illinois and Sangamon County.
G. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) may be considered an accessory use to the development. A BESS and a Data Center may be located on the same parcel without requiring a variance to allow multiple principal uses on a lot.
HISTORY Adopted by Res. Res 4-1 on 7/8/2025
Full Breakdown
The county's dedicated Data Center zoning chapter, adopted in July 2025, sets a hard noise ceiling as part of its special siting requirements: 50 decibels measured at the property line where the site borders an existing residence or residential district. The ordinance specifies that this limit is enforced by both the State of Illinois and the county, giving neighbors two avenues for a complaint. The cap applies alongside the chapter's other siting standards on height, setbacks, fencing, screening and lighting.
Violations & Fines
Noise readings above 50 decibels at the property line adjacent to a residence are a violation of the Data Center chapter's special requirements, enforceable by Sangamon County alongside separate State of Illinois enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be near homes in Sangamon County?
Who enforces the data center noise limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sangamon County
Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois data centers & crypto mining overview
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