HomeLegal DirectorySt. Charles County MO 6-month data center moratorium (eff. July 13, 2026)

In effect Moderate protection

St. Charles County, MO 6-Month Moratorium on Large Data Centers (>100k sq ft or >5MW)

St. Charles County, MO · St. Charles County, MO unanimous vote, July 13, 2026, 6-month moratorium on data centers >100,000 sq ft or >5MW

St. Charles County, Missouri (St. Louis suburbs) unanimously imposed a six-month moratorium on large data center projects on July 13, 2026. The pause covers projects bigger than 100,000 square feet or drawing more than 5 megawatts of power.

Technical detail

St. Charles County (MO) unanimous action July 13, 2026: 6-month moratorium on data center projects exceeding EITHER 100,000 sq ft OR 5MW (through approximately Jan. 13, 2027). Dual size/power threshold captures both large-footprint and high-density facilities. Distinct from the City of Wentzville's own 6-month application moratorium within the county (separate entry).

Who is protected: St. Charles County, MO residents

Who must comply: Developers of data centers >100,000 sq ft or >5MW in St. Charles County, MO

Key facts

JurisdictionSt. Charles County, MO
LevelCounty
StatusIn effect
Protection strengthModerate protection
Effective date2026-07-13
Enacted2026-07-13
CitationSt. Charles County, MO unanimous vote, July 13, 2026, 6-month moratorium on data centers >100,000 sq ft or >5MW
Enforced bySt. Charles County, MO Community Development; County Council
PenaltiesPermit/application denial during moratorium
Topicsdata-center siting and energy
Last verified2026-07-19
Official sourceSt. Charles County officials approve half-year ban on data center projects — St. Louis Public Radio ↗

Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere

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