Centralia Planning and Zoning recommend data center ordinance approval

(Editor's note, 4/22: The story has been corrected to reflect which agency recommended approval of the ordinance.)

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Centralia Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday night unanimously recommended approval of an ordinance that defines and places rules on potential data centers in the city.

Centralia Mayor Chris Cox told ABC 17 News on Tuesday that the proposed ordinance is meant to be proactive about data center development by establishing rules, though no one has come to the city to propose a project just yet.

The commission made some adjustments to the proposed ordinance. The board of aldermen are set to discuss and vote on the ordinance at its May 18 meeting.

Some of the rules around data centers includes them being subject to a conditional use permit and requiring them to be in permanent buildings.

The construction and use of data centers has come under fire around the country within the past year.

Data centers were proposed in Montgomery County, with residents pushing back over concerns of use of natural resources and energy. 

Ameren in November had announced an agreement that aims to put new rules on “large-load customers” such as data centers.