Data Center Business License Proposal
Summary
A new bill would put a question on the April 2027 ballot requiring data center operators to get a city business license and pay a license fee. It now heads to the Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 23, 2026.
Impact analysis
New license fees on data center operators could add revenue, but the amount depends on voter approval in April 2027.
City coffers and residents who want large data operators contributing to local revenue.
Data center operators, who would face a new license and fee requirement if voters approve.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Housing, Urban Development & Zoning Committee - Nov 10, 2026
Voters could decide in April 2027 whether data center operators must get a city business license and pay a fee. It's an early step in how St. Louis regulates and taxes the growing data center industry.
Board of Aldermen - Oct 23, 2026
A new bill would put a question on the April 2027 ballot requiring data center operators to get a city business license and pay a license fee. It now heads to the Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee.
Board of Aldermen - Jul 20, 2026
The city's first comprehensive zoning rules for data centers — covering setbacks from homes and schools, noise, backup generators, renewable energy requirements, and public impact agreements — got amended and sent back to the Planning Commission. Neighbors worried about air quality, power demand and rising utility bills are in for at least another month of waiting.
Housing, Urban Development & Zoning Committee - Jul 1, 2026
Board Bill 49AAIC would write St. Louis's first comprehensive zoning rules for data centers — the large facilities housing computer servers. The rules would determine where and under what conditions these facilities can be built in the city.
Housing, Urban Development & Zoning Committee - Jun 30, 2026
St. Louis currently has no zoning category for data centers — they've been treated as offices or warehouses. This bill would set rules on noise, power demand, water use, backup generators and environmental monitoring before they're built here.
Housing, Urban Development & Zoning Committee - Jun 23, 2026
Board Bill 49 would add comprehensive zoning rules for data centers to the city code, based on a Planning Commission recommendation from June 10, 2026.
St. Louis City Hall debates billion-dollar data center project
St. Louis City Hall debates billion-dollar data center project FOX 2
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