Planner presents amended data‑center ordinance; commission approves amendment

The planning presenter outlined an amended ordinance to regulate data centers and colocation facilities and recommended the commission approve the changes.

The presenter said the original ordinance was drafted with a previous city attorney and later reviewed by contract counsel, who suggested clarifications and more specific definitions, including tiered categories such as "micro data center." The presenter described the edits as aimed at strengthening the city’s ability to review proposals and protect residents while preserving flexibility for differing facility types. "We took the recommendation from the planning commission and put it on the board," the presenter said, adding the contract attorney "was more specific on what the studies that we would require would lay out that they would need to provide us."

Commissioners asked whether the city could ban data centers outright; the presenter said a blanket ban is not permissible for lawful uses. "Anything that is not banned constitutionally or by federal law, a city has to provide the opportunity for them to locate within the community," the presenter stated. Commissioners and other participants noted many data centers in Missouri are small and unobtrusive, while a handful of large facilities have prompted higher public attention because of impacts such as water use and noise.

After questions and brief discussion, a motion to approve the amended ordinance was moved and seconded. The commission conducted a voice vote; members answered "Aye" and the chair declared the motion passed.

The ordinance amends the code to add clearer definitions and tiers for data centers, and requires applicants for higher‑intensity facilities to supply specified studies and mitigation plans as described in the city’s review packet. The presenter said the city would likely rely on consultant review when necessary because the technical demands of large facilities vary and require specialized expertise.

The commission did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript; the chair announced the motion passed by voice vote. The ordinance will proceed according to the city’s adoption process.