St. Louis Moves Closer to New Data Center Rules
St. Louis is advancing a comprehensive regulatory framework for data centers through Board Bill 49, which has passed a key legislative step. This legislation establishes specific zoning, environmental, and operating requirements, including renewable energy mandates and water usage restrictions, aiming to balance development with community concerns. Mayor Cara Spencer has indicated support for the bill once it completes the remaining procedural steps.
St. Louis is moving closer to adopting a comprehensive regulatory framework for data centers with Board Bill 49, which passed a key stage in the Board of Aldermen. The legislation, intended to establish specific zoning and operating requirements for data centers, passed 13-0 with one abstention and is expected to return to the St. Louis Planning Commission before a final vote by the Board of Aldermen.
Introduced by Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, the bill categorizes data centers into micro, standard, and major types, with major facilities facing the strictest regulations. These include a 600-foot setback from sensitive areas like residential properties and a phased requirement for renewable energy, starting at 25% and reaching 100% within 10 years. The framework also addresses water consumption, prohibiting exclusive reliance on water-intensive evaporative cooling systems and requiring agreements with the St. Louis Water Division for larger projects.
Electricity consumption is a central concern, with major projects requiring utilities to provide information on potential impacts to electricity rates and grid reliability. Board of Aldermen President Megan Green highlighted the sustainability provisions as among the strongest in the country. Another related measure, Board Bill 55, sponsored by Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, seeks to prohibit tax incentives for data centers, reflecting ongoing discussions about the economic benefits of such developments for St. Louis residents.
The city's proactive regulatory efforts come as Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed discussions about another potential data center development in north St. Louis. This new project, unlike the already-approved Armory Innovation District data center in Midtown, could be subject to the new requirements, underscoring the city's intent to establish a clear regulatory baseline rather than negotiating terms for each individual project.