IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION establishing guiding principles and objectives for the regulation of small to mid-sized data centers, and high-capacity computing facilities (hyper-scale data centers), and battery energy storage systems within Jackson County, Missouri, as a statement of legislative intent to inform forthcoming amendments to the Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Code before the expiration of the existing 180-day moratorium.
Intro
RESOLUTION 22450, November 9, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Sean E. Smith, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Jackson County recognizes the growing importance of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, advanced technology infrastructure, data center development, and energy storage as drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation; and,
WHEREAS, large-scale data centers, high-capacity computing facilities, and battery energy storage systems (“BESS”) demand substantial electrical power, water, land, telecommunications capacity, and public services, and may affect utility systems, transportation networks, environmental resources, emergency response, neighboring residential and commercial areas, and the local tax base; and,
WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 6074, adopted June 22, 2026, the County imposed a 180-day moratorium on the acceptance, processing, and approval of rezoning applications, conditional use permits, special use permits, site plans, and building permits related to the construction, establishment, or expansion of data centers or BESS facilities within Jackson County, which moratorium is now in effect and is expected to expire in December 2026; and,
WHEREAS, the stated purpose of that moratorium is to develop a long-term policy and accompanying County Code provisions, including regulatory standards and enhanced public notification requirements, and the Legislature’s goal is to amend the Unified Development Code before the moratorium expires; and,
WHEREAS, t...
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