Joplin City Council to hold public meeting on proposed data center rules
The Joplin City Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to establish new standards for data centers. These standards aim to address resident concerns regarding noise, light pollution, and water usage, and will include increased setbacks, lighting controls, noise limits, and requirements for closed-loop water systems. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously tabled the proposal, but the City Council will now move forward with public input.
The Joplin City Council is set to conduct a public hearing on Monday evening to discuss a proposed ordinance that would establish new operating standards for data centers. Mayor Rob O'Brian stated on KZRG's Morning News Watch that this proposal was developed to address community concerns and clarify zoning requirements after property on Joplin's west side was designated for heavy industrial use, where data centers are permitted.
The draft ordinance includes specific regulations such as increased setbacks from residential zones, lighting controls, noise limits, and mandatory closed-loop water systems to minimize water consumption and mitigate local impacts. While the Planning and Zoning Commission recently tabled the proposal to request more information, Mayor O'Brian clarified that the Commission serves an advisory role, enabling the City Council to proceed with the public hearing. Residents are invited to provide feedback on the proposal without prior registration, and the Council retains the option to approve, amend, table, or return the ordinance to the Commission for further review.