County seeks input on data centers
St. Louis County officials are seeking public input to modernize zoning ordinances for data centers, as they anticipate future proposals. The county plans to draft legislation to regulate these facilities, addressing common concerns like environmental impacts, energy and water capacity, and noise pollution. A second public hearing is scheduled for August, with revised regulations expected for consideration in September or October.
St. Louis County officials are proactively seeking public feedback to update their zoning ordinances regarding data centers, anticipating future development within the county. County Executive Sam Page indicated that while no data center proposals are currently active, the county aims to establish clear standards.
The Planning Commission held an initial public hearing on May 11, with discussions focusing on defining data centers, determining where they should be permitted, and outlining the approval process. Key concerns under consideration include environmental impacts such as energy demand, water consumption, emissions, and noise pollution, as well as broader issues of water and energy capacity, design standards, and long-term site effects.
County staff will continue to accept written comments through August and plan to hold a second public hearing that month. Revised regulations are tentatively slated for consideration by the Planning Commission in September or October.