Kirksville City Council passes regulations on data centers
The Kirksville City Council approved new regulations limiting data centers to the city’s M-2 Heavy Industrial zoning district and requiring a Special Use Permit. Applicants must provide studies on grid impacts, water use, environmental effects and infrastructure, while facilities must use closed-loop cooling and meet ongoing reporting and compliance requirements.
The Kirksville City Council approved new data center zoning regulations after months of research, meetings and public discussion. The rules limit facilities to the M-2 Heavy Industrial district and require council approval through a Special Use Permit before construction.
Applicants must hold a public meeting and submit independent studies covering electricity, water conservation, air quality, noise, vibration, infrastructure and lighting. The regulations also prohibit city tax incentives and property tax abatements, require annual compliance reports, mandate closed-loop cooling systems and allow permits to be revoked for unresolved violations.