Board committee backs resolution to require public review, studies for new data centers

Alderman Schweitzer’s Resolution 111 won a majority recommendation from the Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee on Oct. 1, affirming Mayor Spencer’s Executive Order 92 and directing planning and utility staff to develop a regulatory framework and expanded public review for proposed data centers.

The resolution matters because it changes how future data centers will be treated in St. Louis: the committee’s action affirms the mayor’s order that data centers not be permitted “by right,” requires applicants to answer detailed conditional‑use questions, and directs the Water Division and planning staff to study rates, infrastructure and environmental impacts before projects proceed.

Alderman Schweitzer, sponsor of the resolution, told the committee “this resolution mirrors executive order 92,” and said it would require more extensive public disclosure and questions during the conditional‑use review. She said the mayor’s executive order and the resolution “prohibit[] data centers from being permitted by right in any district” and make a public hearing required for any new proposal.

Planning staff outlined the topics they will evaluate while writing regulations. Miriam Keller, identified in the meeting as a planning executive, summarized land‑use, environmental and economic considerations and told the committee that staff are reviewing how other cities regulate data centers. Alicia Russell, identified as the…