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.
City of St. Louis
Anti-Data Center Policies
St. Louis city’s enacted ordinance bars data centers from receiving city tax incentives, but does not prohibit building, expanding, or operating them; the effect on project costs is unspecified.
Rating and summary from St. Louis city as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of St. Louis.
expired · City of St. LouisEstablishes comprehensive zoning regulations for new and expanded data centers in St. Louis.Missouri Executive Order No. 92 (2025) — Data Center Regulatory Framework; issued by Mayor Cara Spencer
What this means
The order does not stop data centers from being built, but it adds a detailed information-gathering process for permit applications and treats data centers as conditional uses in several zoning districts (additional information for permit applications). These requirements could add work and delay, while the ordinance source confirms new zoning regulations but does not provide enough detail here to judge their effect (comprehensive zoning regulations).
People behind it
- Office of the Mayor
Identified as the sponsor of Executive Order No. 92.
- Cara Spencer
As Mayor, issued and signed Executive Order No. 92.
- Anne Schweitzer
Primary sponsor of Ordinance 72181.
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- Shane Cohn
Co-sponsor of Ordinance 72181.
- Bret Narayan
Co-sponsor of Ordinance 72181.
- Alisha Sonnier
Co-sponsor of Ordinance 72181.
- Michael Browning
Co-sponsor of Ordinance 72181.
- Shameem ClarkHubbard
Co-sponsor of Ordinance 72181.
- Megan E Green
Co-sponsor of Ordinance 72181.
- Planning Commission
Recommended the ordinance creating comprehensive data-center zoning regulations.
- Planning Office
Directed to develop an interim zoning approach and work on the City's data-center zoning framework.
- Zoning Section of the Building Division
Directed to develop the data-center zoning approach and gather information for conditional-use permit applications.
- Building Division
Assigned a role in applying conditional-use determinations for data centers under the executive order.
- Water Division
Directed to develop a data-center water-rate framework and consider related infrastructure needs.
- Board of Public Service
Assigned to require and assess information for data-center conditional-use permit applications.
- Office of Building Performance
Named as a collaborator in developing the data-center zoning framework.
- Sustainability Director
Named as a collaborator in developing the data-center zoning framework.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Until a new zoning framework is adopted, new or expanded data centers are treated as conditional uses in zoning districts F, G, H, I, J, K, and L, requiring conditional-use approval. The order remains in effect until an ordinance number is received for new data-center zoning regulations. “consider data centers a conditional use”
For pending and newly submitted conditional-use applications, applicants must provide additional information for review, including site and context, utility and infrastructure use, community and economic impacts, safety and security, consumer impacts, environmental impacts, and general operations. If information cannot be provided because it is proprietary, legally protected, or otherwise unavailable, the applicant must identify that and explain why. “all pending or newly-submitted requests”
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4
Until new data-center zoning regulations take effect, data centers are treated as conditional uses in districts F through L, allowing them to seek permits there. This is not automatic approval; conditional-use review still applies. consider data centers a conditional use in districts
The order keeps the existing conditional-use permit process available for pending and new data-center applications while the City develops a longer-term zoning framework. Applicants must still provide the specified information for review. all pending or newly-submitted requests
An applicant unable to provide requested information because it is proprietary, legally protected, or otherwise unavailable may say so and explain why, rather than provide that information. unable to provide any information
The Water Division must develop a data-center-specific water-rate framework and consider related necessary water-infrastructure investment within five months. The order directs planning and recommendations; it does not guarantee a particular rate or infrastructure project. any related necessary investment in water infrastructure improvements
Sources
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