The Elkhart County Planning Commission has unanimously approved a proposed ordinance establishing rules for data centers. County commissioners will consider the measure Dec. 7.

The proposal would establish where data centers can be built, require minimum distances from homes and schools, and regulate noise. The commission recommended setting daytime noise hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. year-round.

Some residents say stronger protections and additional noise studies are needed. The ordinance would cover unincorporated Elkhart County, while Bristol, Middlebury, Millersburg and Wakarusa would need to adopt separate regulations.