St. Charles passes a ban on data centers
The St. Charles city council voted to pass a measure effectively banning large-scale data centers within city limits, making permanent a one-year moratorium. This action defines data centers in the city's zoning code, prohibiting their use, and comes after widespread community opposition to a proposed project and environmental concerns.
The St. Charles City Council has voted 7-1 to pass a measure that effectively bans large-scale data center developments within city limits. The legislation clarifies the city’s zoning code, explicitly stating that data centers are not permitted or conditional uses anywhere in St. Charles.
Ward 3 Councilman Vince Ratchford stated the move provides clarity for residents, staff, and applicants by closing a gap in the code. This action permanently replaces a one-year moratorium on such proposals that was implemented last fall.
The decision was largely influenced by strong community opposition to a previously proposed $1 billion artificial intelligence data center off Highway 370. Residents consistently voiced environmental concerns, which ultimately led the developer, CRG Cumulus, to withdraw its application following public pushback.