New questions follow Joplin’s 5-4 data center rules vote

The Joplin City Council passed a new ordinance, Council Bill 2026-271, establishing regulations for future data center developments, with a narrow 5-4 vote. A last-minute amendment proposed by Mayor Rob O’Brian, which doubled the required setback from residential and public-use properties from 300 to 600 feet, also passed with a 5-4 vote. The ordinance now includes standards addressing noise, cooling systems, water use, and lighting impacts.

The public debate largely focused on the council's earlier decision to remove a special use permit requirement, which would have mandated additional public review and hearings for individual data center proposals. Several residents advocated for the reinstatement of this permit, arguing it would enhance public oversight. However, council members who supported its removal contended that the ordinance's existing enforceable standards made the additional permit process redundant.

Mayor O’Brian explained that his decision to propose the larger setback was influenced by a recent visit to a data center under construction in Smithville, Missouri, providing new perspective. Councilman Brian Cowles, who voted against the setback amendment and the final ordinance, later questioned whether doubling the setback constituted a substantial enough change to trigger additional review under the Joplin Charter. He also sought more information on the larger setback's potential effects on the project and city matters.

The final ordinance was supported by Mayor O’Brian and Council members Keenan Cortez, Josh DeTar, Eli Moran, and Chuck Copple, while Council members Brian Cowles, Mary Price, Josh Bard, and Ryan Jackson voted against it. The 600-foot setback is now applicable citywide for data centers near residential and public-use areas.