Kirksville MO proposed data center zoning ordinance (2026)

Proposed amendments to Chapter 44 (zoning) of the Kirksville, MO municipal code, recommended unanimously by roll call at a special P&Z meeting/public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026 (Kirksville Daily Express, published Sun. Sept. 20, 2026; KDE's Sept. 2 preview headline names the Sept. 16 special meeting; KTVO also reports the Wednesday meeting and referral to council). Terms: data centers and manufactured engineered non-residential units allowed only in M-2 with a non-transferable SUP in the owner's name; max 250,000 sq ft (added by amendment); height cap 75 ft incl. rooftop equipment; 50-ft setbacks; facility and mechanical equipment >=500 ft from any residential district or use; energy consumption/grid impact study with written verification from the power provider; alternative generation treated as a separate use; closed-loop or comparably water-efficient cooling only; no water from on-site wells or surface sources; Tier 4 emergency generators, testing 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; noise 55 dB at property line daytime, 40 dB continuous at night, minus 5 dB for pure tones; sound/vibration studies at four stages; annual (minimum) reporting with independent review; pre-application public meeting and 30-day comment period for all data centers; waste disposal adequacy; no city-led tax incentive, abatement or special taxing district; decommissioning plan with 125% financial guarantee updated every three years; abandonment after six months inactivity; server rooms under 1 MW exempt as accessory use. Council study session Oct 19; action expected Oct 26, 2026. Commission rejected an outright ban citing legal liability. NOT ESTABLISHED: ordinance/bill number; final council text. Background: in July 2026 the City Council passed a resolution of intent to set zoning standards for data centers (KTVO/KDE, July 2026 — not separately entered). Petition provision: council/commission may approve over a verified protest petition of a majority of owners within 185 ft only by two-thirds vote.