Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission recommends data center regulations
News ClipColumbia Missourian·Columbia, Boone County, MO·2/21/2026
The Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended a city proposal that defines what a data center is and limits their construction to industrial districts. Data center projects would have to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in public hearings if the Columbia City Council adopts the commission's recommendation. This is the first step in a two-step process of regulating construction of data centers in Columbia to help reduce possible negative outcomes associated with data centers, like strain on local utilities.
zoningannouncementelectricity
Gov: Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission, Columbia City Council
The Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously recommended regulations on new data centers in the city. The proposed regulations would define what constitutes a data center and limit their construction to industrial districts. Any data center projects would require case-by-case review and public hearings if adopted by the City Council. This is the first step in a two-step process, as the Commission still needs to review and recommend standards to mitigate potential negative impacts of data centers, such as strain on local utilities.