Independence Considers New Data Center Regulations
Independence City Council is considering new regulations for data center development, including setbacks from homes and schools, and requirements for closed-loop water systems. Community pushback and the Planning Commission's call for more information led the City Council to delay a decision until September, focusing currently on utility-related concerns.
The City of Independence, Missouri, is actively exploring new regulations for data center developments in response to significant community opposition to previous projects approved under existing zoning laws. Accountability reporter Isabella Ladonna of KSHB 41 detailed the proposed changes, which include prohibiting hyperscale data centers within 500 feet of homes, schools, or hospitals, mandating closed-loop water systems, requiring community benefit agreements, and enforcing a 15-day prior notification for community meetings before development proposals.
Neighbor Daniel Morehead, a vocal proponent for stricter regulations, expressed that while the proposed changes are an improvement, more comprehensive protections are needed. Last month, the Independence Planning Commission declined to recommend the new regulations, citing a need for additional information. The City Council subsequently listened to both the Planning Commission and community members like Morehead, opting to defer their decision on the regulations until a September meeting.
Council members indicated that while land use is a factor, the primary concerns currently being addressed are utility-related, specifically for data centers. Reporter Ladonna encouraged residents to share their feedback on the proposed regulations.