~ The City of St. Louis is taking steps to establish clear and thoughtful regulations for data centers within its borders. The Planning & Urban Design Agency (PDA) has released a detailed report and proposed framework for data center zoning regulations, which will be presented at the next Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

According to the PDA, the framework presented in the report is still a work in progress and will be refined through community feedback, stakeholder conversations, and discussions with the Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen. This approach aims to ensure that all voices are heard and considered before finalizing any regulations.

Prior to Mayor Cara Spencer's Executive Order 92 in 2025, the City of St. Louis had no specific zoning regulations for data centers. The executive order established temporary requirements for potential data center developers and directed city staff to investigate best practices for data center regulations within five months. With this report, that deadline has been met.

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The proposed framework has several goals, including creating a more predictable process for data center proposals and setting minimum standards so that both developers and community members know what to expect. It also aims to define different sizes of data centers so that larger ones can be regulated differently from smaller ones with lower impact.

Additionally, the framework seeks to restrict larger data centers to industrial zoning districts, establish minimum distances between them and sensitive areas, and minimize noise and emissions through mitigation measures. It also encourages energy- and water-efficient design while preserving walkability in areas like Downtown.

Transparency is also a key aspect of the proposed framework, with a focus on maximizing opportunities for community input during proposal reviews. Any new zoning rules would only come into effect once passed by the Board of Aldermen and signed by the mayor. These rules would replace the interim approach established by Executive Order 92.

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The public will have an opportunity to attend and participate in the Feb. 11 public hearing on this matter, which will be held in a hybrid format. Both in-person and online attendance will be welcome, with the meeting taking place at 1520 Market St., 2nd Floor Board Room at 5:30 p.m. Zoom details will also be provided for those who wish to participate remotely.

Written comments can also be submitted to the Planning Commission in advance of the hearing through an online form or via email. The PDA encourages community members to share their thoughts and concerns on this important issue.

In conclusion, the City of St. Louis is taking proactive steps to establish clear and thoughtful regulations for data centers within its borders. The proposed framework aims to balance the needs of developers with those of the community while promoting sustainable and responsible development.

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