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All cryptocurrency mining operations, server farms, and/or data centers where allowed by the district use chart shall meet the following standards unless otherwise regulated within this code:

A. Application for a business license shall be processed as an administrative approval without notice.

B. The use of cargo containers, railroad cars, semi-truck trailers and other similar storage containers for any component of the operation is only allowed in the industrial zones as long as the unit is new, pre-engineered and certified by the Department of Labor and Industries.

C. Prior to approving the business license, the applicant shall provide written verification from the Grant County Public Utility District (PUD) stating the following:

1. Adequate capacity is available on the applicable supply lines and substation to ensure that the capacity available to serve the other needs of the planning area is consistent with the normal projected load growth envisioned by the PUD;

2. Utility supply equipment and related electrical infrastructure are sufficiently sized and can safely accommodate the proposed use; and

3. The use will not cause electrical interference or fluctuations in line voltage on and off the operating premises.

D. Prior to any cryptocurrency mining, server farms, and/or data centers, a copy of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries electrical permit and written verification that the electrical work has passed a final inspection shall be provided to the City and the PUD.

E. All cryptocurrency mining operations, server farms, and/or data centers, including all ancillary equipment/operations for purposes such as cooling, shall be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the surrounding properties and not cause the dissemination of dust, smoke, glare, heat, vibration or noise in excess of the maximum environmental noise level established by City Code or Chapter 173-60 WAC beyond the property line or affecting adjacent buildings. Violation of these established noise levels will result in revocation of a City business license pursuant to City Code or any other applicable penalties.

F. No facade shall have more than twenty percent (20%) of the area exposed with apparatus (e.g., vents, fans, HVAC systems, etc.).

G. Any use or activity producing air, noise, exhaust, heat, or humidity in any form shall be carried on in such a manner that it is not perceptible at or beyond the property line.

H. Electric fields and magnetic fields shall not be created that adversely affect the public health, safety, and welfare, including but not limited to interference with the normal operation of equipment or instruments or normal radio, telephone, or television reception from off the premises where the activity is conducted.

I. Noise emanating from a use or activity within an industrial zone which exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels set forth in WAC 173-60-040 and this chapter shall not be permitted.

Maximum Permissible Environmental Noise Levels from a Noise Source in an Industrial Zone

Property Receiving Noise by Zone

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

60 dBA*

65 dBA

70 dBA

50 dBA*

*Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the noise limitations shall be reduced by ten (10) dBA for receiving property adjacent to residential zones.

At any hour of the day or night the applicable noise limitations may be exceeded for any receiving property by no more than:

1. Five (5) dBA for a total of fifteen (15) minutes in any one (1) hour period.

2. Ten (10) dBA for a total of five (5) minutes in any one (1) hour period.

3. Fifteen (15) dBA for a total of one and one-half (1.5) minutes in any one (1) hour period.

Exemptions to the maximum permissible noise levels cited in this chapter shall be as enumerated in WAC 173-60-050, Maximum Environmental Noise Levels Exemptions. (Ord. 2929, 8/13/19)