Mexico Planning and Zoning approves data center ordinance language
The Mexico Planning and Zoning Commission approved amended proposed ordinance language regulating data center development within the city. The rules would limit data centers to industrial districts and require utility capacity assurances, noise testing, and decommissioning or nuisance-abatement bonds; the City Council is expected to consider the ordinance in November before a 90-day moratorium expires.
The Mexico Planning and Zoning Commission approved proposed ordinance language that would regulate data center development within Mexico, Missouri. The framework would allow data centers only as an additional use in I-1 Light Industrial and I-2 Heavy Industrial districts and would require applicants to document that water and electric utilities can serve a facility without harming existing customers.
The proposal also includes strict noise limits, testing paid for by the owner, generator noise controls and a bond focused on maintaining abandoned facilities and grounds. Deputy City Manager Drew Williford said the rules address public concerns about facility location, noise and utility use. The Mexico City Council imposed a 90-day moratorium on data center projects in August and is scheduled to review the ordinance language, initially as a staff report on Oct. 26, with formal consideration expected in November.