Ozark adopts new data center regulations in zoning code
Ozark officials unanimously adopted zoning regulations restricting standalone data centers to industrially zoned properties. The rules were approved as nearby Springfield considers extending a data center moratorium and faces a lawsuit from a company affiliated with a proposed developer.
The Ozark Board of Aldermen unanimously approved new data center regulations on Oct. 5, creating definitions and review requirements while limiting standalone facilities to industrial zones. Community Development Director Randall Whitman said Ozark had received no data center applications, and no projects were known elsewhere in Christian County.
City Planner Megan Bischoff said the regulations were intended to establish ground rules rather than impose a full ban, which officials believed could create legal risks. The action came as Springfield remained under a data center moratorium and considered extending it; the city was sued in September by a company affiliated with developer Trent Overhue over a proposed Medical Mile project.