New data center rules signed into St. Louis law by Mayor Spencer

News Clip0:42KSDK News·St. Louis, St. Louis City County, MO·9/17/2026

St. Louis Mayor Kara Spencer signed new data center regulations into law, establishing setbacks of at least 600 feet from homes, schools, or parks. The rules also mandate 100% renewable energy operation within 10 years and include limits on noise and water depletion.

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Gov: St. Louis Mayor's Office, St. Louis Board of Aldermen

St. Louis Mayor Kara Spencer officially signed new data center regulations into law, following their passage by the Board of Aldermen last week. The legislation introduces several key requirements for major data center developments within the city.

The new rules stipulate that data centers must be located at least 600 feet away from residential homes, schools, or parks. Additionally, all new projects are mandated to operate on 100% renewable energy within a decade of their establishment.

Mayor Spencer emphasized that these regulations position St. Louis as a national leader in establishing protective measures for data centers. She noted that the new law also imposes limits on noise production and includes provisions to prevent local water depletion, acknowledging the validity of community concerns regarding these issues.