Branson approves zoning ordinance for AI data centers after temporary pause
Branson, Missouri, passed a new zoning ordinance in 2024 to regulate AI data centers, preceded by a 100-day moratorium on permit requests. The ordinance sets requirements for operations, including noise limits, industrial zone placement, and buffer zones, after extensive public hearings and discussions.
Branson, Missouri, has taken proactive steps to regulate AI data center operations within its city limits, enacting a comprehensive zoning ordinance in 2024. This action came well before a broader public debate on the impact of such facilities.
The regulatory process began on June 4, 2024, when the Board of Aldermen voted 4-2 to implement a 100-day pause on new permit requests for AI data centers. Acting Planning Director Amanda Ross highlighted potential issues like strain on local power capacity and noise pollution from cooling fans, noting that existing ordinances were insufficient to address these emerging concerns.
Following the temporary pause, the Branson Planning Commission held a special meeting and public hearing on July 29, 2024. City officials presented draft rules proposing to restrict data centers to industrial zones, require special use permits, define modular cooling units (MENUs), mandate a permanent main building before modular units, underground power lines, and establish a 500-foot buffer from homes and schools. Strict noise caps, specifically 65 C-weighted decibels, dropping to 55 C-weighted decibels near quiet neighborhoods, were also proposed. Residents voiced concerns about property value depreciation and constant low-frequency hums, while developers argued that the proposed regulations created unfair barriers to business. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the bill to the Board of Aldermen.
On August 1, 2024, the Board of Aldermen passed the first reading of Bill Number 6472 by a 6-0 vote, further extending the 500-foot buffer to include campgrounds, hotels, nightly rentals, and motels, and allowing temporary office permits during construction. The board finalized the bill on August 13, 2024, incorporating technical updates from Alderman Glenn Schulz regarding definitions, noise levels, lighting brightness, generator testing limits, paved parking, and a noise complaint appeal process. The updated bill passed 5-1, with Alderman Thomas 'Artie' Lucas casting the sole dissenting vote, citing his ability to