Jackson County temporarily halts new data center, battery energy storage sites
Jackson County, Missouri, has enacted a 180-day moratorium on new data centers and battery energy storage sites in its unincorporated areas. This temporary ban allows the county to review and establish more detailed permanent policies regarding land use and development, prompted by community opposition and concerns. Similar moratoriums have been adopted in nearby cities like Leavenworth, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri.
The Jackson County Legislature in Missouri has unanimously passed a temporary, 180-day ban on new data center and battery energy storage (BESS) sites within its unincorporated areas. This decision, which comes as local governments in the Kansas City metro region respond to a surge in data center development, was adopted on Monday, following earlier discussions that began in April.
Sponsor Sean Smith, who represents the 6th District, described the moratorium as an opportunity for Jackson County to develop more comprehensive, permanent policies for data centers and land use. The legislative action was notably influenced by "widespread community opposition and resident concerns" regarding large industrial technology facilities. Previously, residents had reported difficulties in tracking or protesting proposed data center sites before zoning approvals were finalized.
Legislative Chair Manny Abarca introduced a supplementary resolution that, if passed, would direct the county to reassess its current zoning and development standards during the moratorium period. Abarca emphasized the county's commitment to welcoming innovation while ensuring responsible development with community input.
The Kansas City metropolitan area is currently experiencing a boom, with at least 10 "hyperscale" data centers in progress, several of which are projected to consume over 100 megawatts of power. Similar moratoriums and stricter zoning regulations have already been enacted in nearby municipalities, including Leavenworth, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri. The Independence City Council is also considering a moratorium, spurred by a local watchdog group, the Independence Guard Alliance, which formed in response to a large hyperscale data center project.