St. Louis Moves to Regulate Data Centers as Demand Accelerates

City drafts first zoning rules for energy-intensive facilities to balance digital growth with neighborhood protections.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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St. Louis officials are moving to bring clarity and control to the rapidly expanding data center industry, releasing a draft framework that would, for the first time, establish clear zoning and development standards for these energy-intensive facilities. The proposal aims to balance digital growth with neighborhood protections by introducing tiered classifications based on scale and infrastructure impact, restricting large data centers to industrial zones, and addressing concerns around noise, power, and environmental impact.

Why it matters

Data centers bring large capital investment and construction activity but relatively few permanent jobs, while placing heavy demands on power grids, water systems, and surrounding land use. For St. Louis, the challenge is capturing digital economy growth without undermining neighborhood stability or long-term planning goals. The proposed framework reflects a broader shift nationwide as cities seek to manage data centers before conflicts arise.

The details

The draft framework recognizes that not all data centers are the same, introducing tiered classifications based on scale and infrastructure impact. Smaller facilities would face fewer restrictions, while large, high-load data centers would be subject to stricter location, design, and review standards. Large data centers would be restricted to industrial zoning districts, with minimum separation distances required from 'sensitive uses' such as homes, schools, parks, and hospitals. The proposal also places heavy emphasis on mitigating the most common data center-related complaints, such as limiting noise, reducing emissions, and managing water usage.

  • Mayor Cara Spencer issued an executive order in 2025 establishing interim controls and directing city agencies to produce a long-term regulatory framework.
  • The newly released report fulfills that directive and sets the stage for permanent zoning changes.

The players

City of St. Louis

The local government of St. Louis, Missouri, which is drafting the new zoning rules for data centers.

Mayor Cara Spencer

The mayor of St. Louis who issued an executive order in 2025 to establish interim controls and direct the creation of a long-term regulatory framework for data centers.

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What’s next

The draft framework is now under review by the Planning Commission, which will gather public input and determine whether the proposal should advance. If recommended, the framework would move to the Board of Aldermen for legislative consideration. Any permanent zoning changes would take effect only after board approval and the mayor's final sign-off.

The takeaway

St. Louis is moving to establish firm, predictable rules for data center development at a time when demand is accelerating nationwide. The draft framework seeks to balance economic opportunity with neighborhood protection, infrastructure capacity, and transparency, reflecting a broader shift as cities nationwide work to manage data centers before conflicts arise.