Kirksville council to weigh water rate overhaul, final data center rules at Monday study session
The Kirksville City Council is preparing to review final rules governing data centers after the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the proposal. The rules would limit data centers to heavy-industrial areas, require special-use permits, impose water, noise, size and setback restrictions, and require public reporting and decommissioning bonds. Several residents opposed data centers and called for a ban or moratorium, though no developer has approached the city.
The Kirksville City Council will review proposed data center regulations at an Oct. 19 study session before potentially considering them at its Oct. 26 meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the proposal 7-0 after a public hearing that drew more than 50 people; speakers included a labor representative seeking consideration for union workers and residents who opposed data centers or urged a ban or moratorium.
Under the proposed ordinance, data centers would be allowed only in M-2 Heavy Industrial zones with a special-use permit. Facilities would face limits on size, height, setbacks, noise, cooling methods and generator testing, while on-site wells and surface-water withdrawals would be prohibited. Operators would also have to submit annual reports, hold a public meeting and comment period before applying, and post a decommissioning bond. City staff said a ban or moratorium could create legal risks, and noted that no developer has yet approached Kirksville.