St. Louis Passes Data Center Rules as Rapid City Deliberates

Two major U.S. cities moved to regulate the data center industry on September 11, focusing on the environmental and utility strains caused by high power and water consumption.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen unanimously approved Board Bill 49, establishing the city's first specific zoning regulations for data centers. The legislation classifies facilities by size, sets standards for noise and lighting, and mandates renewable energy requirements. In a companion bill, the board prohibited city tax incentives for future data center projects. These rules do not apply to the $3 billion Armory Innovation District project in Midtown, which was previously approved with requirements for a closed-loop cooling system and 50% renewable energy sourcing within five years. The measure now awaits the signature of Mayor Cara Spencer.

Simultaneously, the Rapid City Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission considered an ordinance amendment to establish comprehensive standards for data center developments. The draft would categorize facilities by size, banning hyperscale centers of 50 megawatts or more within city limits and prohibiting evaporative cooling systems. While industry representatives generally supported the direction of the rules, the Planning Commission tabled the item for 60 days to allow for an open house and working sessions with council members before a final version is drafted.