The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Pettis County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Pettis County’s enacted moratorium pauses review of covered projects involving at least 30 unincorporated acres or $5 million, with limited exceptions and no automatic end date.
Rating from Missouri statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Pettis County.
Specific to Pettis County only.
current law · County measureTemporarily blocks Pettis County from accepting or processing applications for data center projects involving at least 30 acres of unincorporated land and/or $5 million, while the county studies their impacts.Pettis County Commission Temporary Moratorium on Certain Economic Development Projects (2026)
What this means
The measure would stop the county from reviewing or processing applications for covered projects—those involving at least 30 acres of unincorporated land and/or $5 million—making it much harder to build or expand data centers while the moratorium is in effect. It aims to allow time for studies within two years, but does not expire automatically; limited exceptions mean it is a severe delay, not an outright ban with no possible way forward.
Timing
- Ends
- After the studies are completed and reviewed, if the Commission lifts the moratorium by subsequent order.
The moratorium does not automatically expire after the intended two-year study period; the Commission may extend it with further action supported by written findings explaining the unfinished studies, reasons for extension, and anticipated steps toward completion. It will not automatically expire after that period.
People behind it
- Pettis County Commission
Approved and passed the temporary moratorium.
- Bill Taylor
Presiding commissioner who approved and signed the order.
- Mark Edwards
Western commissioner who approved and signed the order.
Show 1 more peopleShow fewer people
- Israel Baeza
Eastern commissioner who approved and signed the order.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
An immediate temporary moratorium bars the county from accepting applications for substantive review or processing for covered economic development projects and data center facilities involving at least 30 acres of unincorporated county land and/or a value of at least $5 million. It covers applications for road usage, building, site-plan, architectural, zoning-variance, floodplain, conditional-use, grading, and occupancy approvals.
The moratorium is intended to remain in place while economic-development and environmental studies are completed, which the Commission intends to do within two years. It does not automatically expire after two years; extending it requires further Commission action with written findings explaining what studies remain, why more time is needed, and the expected steps toward completion. The Commission may lift it by subsequent order after reviewing the studies.
The Commission may allow covered projects to proceed as exceptions. One exception requires findings that denial would cause the property owner substantial economic hardship and that the project would not adversely affect residential property owners within 1,000 feet of its external boundaries. Another allows an application to proceed if the project complies with existing regulations, has adequate infrastructure, and would not harm residents’ health, safety, or general welfare.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
The Commission may allow a project to proceed if denying it would cause the property owner substantial economic hardship and the development would not adversely affect residential properties within 1,000 feet of its boundaries (exception for substantial economic hardship).
The Commission may allow an application to proceed if the project complies with existing regulations, has adequate infrastructure, and would not harm residents’ health, safety, or general welfare (projects may be allowed to proceed).
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data