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Planning commission affirms HUD committee amendments to data center zoning; votes to accept changes collectively
Summary
Staff summarized 10 technical and policy refinements to the proposed data center zoning ordinance (Board Bill 49). The Planning Commission voted unanimously to consider the HUD committee amendments collectively and to accept them; the package includes staged renewable energy requirements, strengthened fuel‑storage and enclosure rules, third‑party noise measurement, and applicability clarifications for nonconforming facilities.
The Planning Commission reviewed and voted to accept a set of amendments to the proposed data center zoning regulations forwarded from the Board of Aldermen’s Housing, Urban Development and Zoning (HUD) committee (Board Bill 49).
Staff said the 10 amendments reflect technical input gathered from Ameren, Renew Missouri, Missouri Coalition for the Environment and existing data center operators, as well as extensive public testimony. The amendments change definitions used in the renewable energy requirements, clarify how maximum power demand is measured for triggering additional requirements, strengthen fuel‑storage and enclosure standards, add flexible documentation options for smaller projects, and tighten application requirements to increase upfront information and objectivity.
Alicia Russell described the renewable energy provisions: "Before an occupancy permit is permitted, we're expecting 25% of their energy coming from renewables," she said. The ordinance sets a staged approach: 25% at occupancy, a 50% target at year five (with no more than 25% allowed via unbundled RECs), and a 100% target at year 10 (with no more than 25% unbundled RECs). Russell said the regulations allow RECs sourced from Ameren's territory, Missouri, or the MISO region but not from distant markets such as California or Texas.
Other notable amendments include:
- Fuel storage: higher enclosure standards for on‑site diesel/fuel tanks, a masonry enclosure and a concrete pad with spill containment were added to reduce environmental and safety risks. - Documentation and technical review: for some projects under 50 megawatts, a "will‑serve" letter from the utility was accepted as appropriate documentation; the ordinance also requires environmental impact reports prepared by a credentialed professional environmental engineer with city input on the preparer. - Noise: baseline noise levels used in applications are to be measured by a third‑party noise professional provided by the city to increase objectivity. - Applicability: clarifications to preserve lawful nonconforming status through tenant changes, require partial compliance for certain structural alterations, and allow tailored options to screen exterior equipment.
After staff presentation and commissioner questions about will‑serve letters, sound attenuation standards, and a two‑year review directive, Commissioner Miller moved (and the commission moved to consider all ten amendments together). The commission then voted to accept the package collectively; the motions carried unanimously.
Staff recommended the Planning Commission affirm the amendments to help the Board of Aldermen as it proceeds toward perfection and final passage. Staff said the sponsor (Alderman Schweitzer) and allies hope for Board action before summer recess, with additional Aldermanic meetings scheduled to expedite timing.
