St. Louis advances new rules for data centers
St. Louis is advancing comprehensive regulations for data centers, which will limit where they can operate and set standards for electricity, water use, noise, and community engagement. Board Bill 49 passed a key vote and is awaiting final approval, aiming to replace outdated zoning classifications. These rules seek to balance attracting technology investment with protecting neighborhoods and infrastructure.
St. Louis city officials are advancing a plan to establish the city's first comprehensive regulations for data centers, replacing an outdated system that classified these facilities as offices or warehouses. Board Bill 49, sponsored by Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, passed the Board of Aldermen with a 13-0 vote and is slated for a final vote on September 11, following a review by the city Planning Commission on September 9. Mayor Cara Spencer stated that the bill is the culmination of a year-long effort to address the complex and contentious topic of data center development.
The proposed regulations categorize data centers into micro, standard, and major, based on size and electricity consumption. Major data centers would only be permitted in unrestricted zoning districts with special city approval and would require a 600-foot setback from residential properties, schools, and parks. These facilities would also be subject to strict requirements for renewable energy use, starting at 25% and increasing to 100% within ten years. Water use is also regulated, prohibiting solely water-intensive evaporative cooling systems and requiring agreements with the St. Louis Water Division for larger facilities.
The legislation arose from months of debate and concerns raised by the St. Louis NAACP and residents regarding electricity and water demands, environmental impacts, and community benefits. While Alderwomen Alisha Sonnier and Anne Schweitzer initially sought to ban mega-scale data centers, the Planning Commission opted for a regulatory approach with tighter restrictions. Stephen Westbrooks, President and CEO of the St. Louis Development Corp., believes the regulations will maintain St. Louis's competitiveness for technology investment, attracting development and jobs to strengthen the tax base while upholding environmental sustainability and neighborhood protection. The Armory Innovation District, which includes a large data center, will operate under its existing permit rather than the new requirements.