Amid moratorium, Independence passes new rules for data center, battery storage zoning
Independence, Missouri, unanimously approved new zoning rules for data centers and battery energy storage systems amid an existing moratorium on new data center projects. The regulations include 1,000-foot setbacks, special-use permits for facilities larger than 2.5 megawatts, noise assessments, decommissioning requirements and more frequent generator reporting.
The Independence City Council unanimously approved amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance on Oct. 5, establishing new requirements for data centers and battery energy storage systems. The rules require projects to maintain 1,000-foot setbacks from residences and specified public facilities, obtain special-use permits when larger than 2.5 megawatts, complete noise-impact assessments and mitigation plans, and submit generator compliance reports every six months.
The changes follow the city’s July moratorium on new data center projects and controversy surrounding Nebius’ hyperscale AI data factory in Little Blue Valley, which broke ground in May 2026, and a proposed Patmos facility along Little Blue Parkway. Council member Brice Stewart and Mayor Kevin King sponsored amendments that were adopted unanimously, while organized opposition to the previously approved Nebius project contributed to several council members losing their seats in subsequent elections.