St. Louis County adopts zoning amendments but pulls data‑center language for further study

The St. Louis County Board voted to adopt most proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance 62 but removed proposed changes regarding data centers and delayed decisions on inoperable‑vehicle language, directing the Planning & Zoning Department and Planning Commission to study data centers and bring a comprehensive amendment back to the board.

Director Logan reviewed the amendments and said staff would not include data centers in the ordinance as drafted and will instead retain the current language on inoperable vehicles. The board directed Planning & Zoning to retain a consultant, hold listening sessions and open houses across the county, and work with the Planning Commission on future public hearings for a data‑center ordinance.

Several residents told the board they welcomed removing data centers from the current ordinance until impacts are better understood. Joanne Bates, a resident, said she appreciated the board’s decision to invite public input and highlighted concerns about noise, water consumption and potential wetland impacts. “I am really not against data centers in the right locations,” she said, but urged careful study of site selection to avoid environmental harm.

Richard Winkler raised noise and generator use as particular worries and asked the county to examine emergency backup‑power practices used elsewhere. Planning Director Logan clarified county zoning jurisdiction covers townships and unorganized areas, not cities, and said staff is “not opposed to the idea of working together” with municipalities on research.

The board’s motion adopted non‑controversial portions of Ordinance 62 and removed references to data centers for separate analysis; the motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Planning & Zoning will scope consultant work, schedule community listening sessions and prepare proposed ordinance language for the Planning Commission and future board hearings.