City of Independence, MO
07/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/06/2026 18:31
City Council Approves Temporary Moratorium on New Data Center and Battery Energy Storage System Applications
The Independence City Council has approved a 180-day moratorium on the acceptance, processing and issuance of certain City permits, licenses and applications related to new data processing and hosting facilities, commonly known as data centers, and battery energy storage system facilities.
The temporary moratorium applies only to new projects or applications that have not already been submitted to, authorized or approved by the City. It does not apply to previously submitted, authorized or approved projects, including the Nebius data center project.
The action gives the City additional time to review existing City Code provisions, state regulations, zoning requirements, fire and building standards, infrastructure considerations and other potential impacts related to these types of facilities.
During the 180-day period, the City will review updates to business, zoning, fire, building and development regulations related to data centers and battery energy storage systems. The moratorium may be extended if additional time is needed.
The moratorium does not prohibit development already in the City's formal review process, or projects that have already received City approval or authorization. It is intended to apply only to future applications while the City evaluates whether additional regulations are necessary to protect public health, safety and general welfare.
The City will continue to provide updates as the review process moves forward.
Does this stop all data center projects?
No. The moratorium only applies to new projects or applications that have not already been submitted to, authorized or approved by the City.
Does this include the Nebius data center project?
No. The moratorium does not apply to the Nebius data center project because that project has already been submitted to, authorized or approved by the City.
What if a project submitted materials or applied before the moratorium was approved?
Projects will be reviewed based on their specific status in the City's formal process and the requirements of the approved moratorium. Submitting an application or materials to the City does not automatically mean a project has been approved or is authorized to move forward. Any project that is already in the review process must still meet all applicable City requirements before permits, licenses or other approvals may be issued.
What happens next?
The City will review current regulations and consider updates to help guide future development responsibly.
Department: City Council/City Clerk, City Manager, Newsroom
Type: Press Release
Category: Announcements, Council Action
Media Inquiries, contact:
Sherae Honeycutt
Public Information Officer
816-819-9260
City of Independence, MO published this content on July 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 07, 2026 at 00:32 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]