Summary:

Hyperscale and large-load digital infrastructure facilities may create infrastructure and compatibility impacts materially different from ordinary commercial development. These impacts may include extraordinary electrical demand, substations and transmission infrastructure, generator systems, phased campus development, construction traffic, lighting, sound, and emergency-service considerations. Clinton County already possesses meaningful zoning and discretionary-review authority through its existing industrial zoning districts and Special Use Permit (SUP) framework. Clinton County has also adopted a temporary moratorium on data-center applications while evaluating zoning adequacy and potential ordinance updates.

The recommendations contained in this report are intended to preserve local land-use authority, strengthen discretionary review authority, maintain administrative practicality for a Missouri third-class county, and avoid unnecessary regulation of ordinary commercial computing activity.

Existing Clinton County Framework

Clinton County already maintains industrial zoning classifications and a substantial SUP framework including hearings, Planning & Zoning review, County Commission review, condition authority, compatibility review, enforcement authority, and permit revocation authority.

Missouri Context & Comparative Review

Missouri counties retain substantial local zoning authority over land-use compatibility and discretionary development review. Caldwell County, Missouri, has adopted zoning amendments specifically addressing data centers and digital asset mining operations using industrial zoning structure, conditional-use review, and a megawatt-based applicability threshold.

Large-Load / Hyperscale Infrastructure Analysis

Large-load and hyperscale digital infrastructure facilities may create impacts materially different from ordinary commercial development, including extraordinary electrical demand, substations, backup generator systems, cooling infrastructure, phased campus development, construction traffic, lighting, sound, and emergency-service coordination.

Layer-by-Layer Adequacy Review

• Moratorium — Complete.

• Definition / Classification — Additional definition language recommended.

• SUP-Only Applicability — SUP review recommended for qualifying facilities.

• Eligible District Limitation — Restrict to selected industrial districts.

• Infrastructure & Disclosure Requirements — Expand disclosures relating to power, generators, water, and phased development.

• Findings & Discretionary Review Authority — Expand findings criteria.

• Performance Standards — Add standards for sound, lighting, setbacks, screening, and generator testing.

• Infrastructure Review — Require utility and infrastructure coordination disclosures.

• Expansion / Phasing — Add phased-development review triggers.

• Decommissioning / Abandonment — Require restoration planning.

• Continuing Compliance / Revocation — Expand continuing-compliance triggers.

Implementation Strategy

The recommendations contained in this report are intended to preserve local land-use authority, maintain administrative practicality, build upon the County’s existing SUP structure, avoid unnecessary bureaucracy, and rely primarily on applicant-provided disclosures.

Ordinance Adequacy & Recommendation Report

Ordinance Amendment Updates