~ The City of St. Louis is taking steps to establish clear and thoughtful regulations for data centers within the city. The Planning and Urban Design Agency has shared an updated framework proposal for data center zoning regulations, which will be discussed at a public hearing on Monday, May 18.

Based on additional research and community feedback, the updated framework takes a cautious approach towards data centers and includes several changes to address specific concerns. One major change is the lowering of the megawattage threshold between "standard" and "major" data center types in order to better control appropriate development outside of industrial districts.

Other key changes include establishing new e-waste recycling requirements, reorganizing regulations for clarity and legibility, and implementing heightened standards for generators to minimize environmental health impacts. The updated framework also revises the approach to data centers in Downtown and mixed-use districts in order to preserve office, retail, and housing opportunities while removing barriers to adaptive reuse projects.

In accordance with technical advice, renewable energy requirements have also been revised to acknowledge the limited supply in the region. Additionally, agreements will be required to avoid negative impacts on the city's water system, as well as ongoing reporting and monitoring.

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Community members have already shared their feedback through written comments and at a previous public hearing held by the Planning Commission on February 11. A second public hearing will take place on May 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Room of City Hall. This hearing can be attended both in person or virtually through Zoom.

Written comments can also be submitted in advance via an online form or by emailing planning-commission@stlouis-mo.gov. To further explain the updated framework, a Zoom-based informational webinar will be held on May 11 from 6-7:30 p.m., which is open to the public.

The Planning Commission may vote on whether to recommend approval of these new regulations at the May 18 meeting. However, any new zoning rules will only come into effect once they are passed by the Board of Aldermen and signed by the mayor. These new rules will replace the interim approach established by Executive Order 92 and Resolution 111.

The City of St. Louis is committed to carefully considering community feedback and ensuring that data centers are developed in a responsible and beneficial manner for all residents. The updated framework proposal is available to the public, with all changes highlighted in the report. The city encourages community members to participate in the upcoming public hearing and informational webinar to further understand and refine these regulations.

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