A data center couldn't simply be built in Edwardsville today
Edwardsville officials clarified that data centers are not currently permitted by right under the city's zoning code and would require a special use permit and a multi-layered public review process for any future proposals. The discussion arose after an alderman inquired about establishing additional safeguards for data center development. Meanwhile, Illinois has suspended tax incentives for data centers for two years.
Edwardsville officials confirmed on June 11 that data centers are not currently permitted under the city's existing zoning code. Any future proposal for a data center project in Edwardsville would necessitate a special use permit and undergo a comprehensive public review process involving multiple city entities.
Alderman Chris Farrar initiated the discussion at an Administrative and Community Services Committee meeting, questioning whether additional safeguards should be established before developers pursue data center projects in the city. City Administrator Eric Williams affirmed that no data centers are permitted "by right" in current zoning districts (B-2 or M-1), with the M-1 district being the only one where a special use permit could even be considered. No text amendments are currently proposed.
While Edwardsville has not received a formal data center proposal, the city did acknowledge an inquiry about a potential project in a February 10 Facebook post. Alderwoman Elizabeth Grant assured residents that any proposal would go through extensive public channels, including hearings before the Planning Commission, review by the Administrative and Community Services Committee, and final consideration by the City Council, providing ample opportunity for public input.
This local dialogue reflects broader discussions in the Metro East region, where communities are evaluating the economic benefits of data centers against potential environmental and infrastructure concerns. Separately, Illinois recently enacted a two-year suspension of state tax incentives for data centers, effective July 1, after offering them since 2019.