Data Centers
Data centers are specialized facilities that house the computing and networking systems needed to run applications and to store, process, and manage large amounts of data.
The demand to develop new data centers has been rapidly increasing amidst the Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom. As data centers become increasingly common nationwide and in the St. Louis region, concerns have arisen around their environmental, economic, and community impacts.
Large-scale data centers can require tremendous amounts of water and energy to sustain, straining local utilities and potentially impacting residents’ utility bills; create noise and heat pollution; and cause other nuisances that negatively affect surrounding neighborhoods.
Phases
Board of Aldermen considers Data Center Zoning regulations
Wednesday, August 26th
The Planning and Urban Design Agency delivered the Planning Commission recommendations to the Board of Aldermen on Wednesday, August 26th.
Friday, August 28th
Alderwoman Schweitzer asked for a vote on five of nine prepared amendments (See attached). Amendment 1, which put forward the Planning Commission recommendation to remove amendments relaxing data center density requirements, failed 5-9. Amendment 2. modified the data center density requirements, passed with 13 aye votes and one abstention. Amendment 3-4 were not offered for a vote. Amendment 5, which modifies the renewable energy requirement waiver process, passed with 13 aye votes and one abstention. Amendment 6 was not offered for a vote. Amendment 7, which put forward the Planning Commission recommendation to further define educational facilities, passed with 13 aye votes and one abstention. Amendment 8 was not offered for a vote. Amendment 9, which adds an emergency clause so that this legislation goes into effect as soon as it is signed by the Mayor, passed with 13 aye votes and one abstention.
The Board of Aldermen perfected BB49AAFL at a Special Meeting called by President Megan Green for Friday, August 28th.
Wednesday, September 9th
The Planning Commission shall meet to vote to approve or disapprove of the amendments made at the August 28th Board of Aldermen meeting.
Friday, September 11th
The vote to finally pass BB49 will be held September 11th at the next regular Full Board Meeting. If the bill conforms with the recommendations of the Planning Commission, it shall only require a majority vote of alders present to finally pass. If the bill does not conform to the recommendations of the Planning Commission, it shall require a 2/3 vote of alders to finally pass.
Events
Past events
Event date: October 1st, 2025 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
1200 Market Street
20 registrants
Event date: February 11th, 2026 at 11:30 PM to February 12th, 2026 at 1:30 AM.
1520 Market Street
1 registrant
Event date: May 18th, 2026 at 10:30 PM to May 19th, 2026 at 12:30 AM.
1200 Market Street
11 registrants
Event date: June 10th, 2026 at 10:30 PM to June 11th, 2026 at 1:00 AM.
1520 Market Street
Event date: June 30th, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Event date: July 1st, 2026 from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
1200 Market Street
Event date: August 12th, 2026 at 10:30 PM to August 13th, 2026 at 1:00 AM.
1520 Market Street