Topic

Data Centers

Everything we've tracked on this issue in St. Charles Parish government.

Decisions on Data Centers

Approved2026-0170Parish Council · Jun 1

Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Data Centers

Ordinance to amend the St. Charles Parish Code of Ordinances zoning regulations to add definitions and permitted uses for data centers in M1 and M2 manufacturing districts, with supplemental regulations including noise restrictions (55 decibels), 300-foot setbacks, buffering, and landscaping requirements. Includes amendment defining adjacency standards.

Moved by Ms. O'DanielsSeconded by Mr. Daniels

Approved2026-3-ORDPlanning & Zoning Commission · May 7

Amendment to St. Charles Parish Zoning Ordinance of 1981 to Add Data Center Regulations

Approval to amend the zoning ordinance by adding a definition for data centers, permitting data centers as uses in M1 (light industrial) and M2 (heavy industrial) zoning districts with different requirements based on power source, and establishing supplemental use and performance regulations including setbacks, landscaping, buffering, noise limits, and screening requirements. M1 data centers must operate on grid power; M2 data centers may have on-site power generation. The ordinance includes a notwithstanding clause making the Parish's 55-decibel noise limit enforceable for data centers.

Moved by Mr. KeeneSeconded by Mr. Frangelo

Denied2026-0114Parish Council · Apr 6

Moratorium on data center permitting and installation

Enact an 8-month moratorium on permitting, consideration, approval, location, construction, and installation of any data center facilities, or until enactment of specific data center regulations by the Parish Council, whichever occurs first.

Moved by Ms. O'DanielsSeconded by Ms. Wilson

unknown2026-0089Legislative Committee · Apr 6

Code Revisions Pertaining to Data Centers

Establishes regulations for data center placement and operations, distinguishing between M1 light industrial and M2 heavy industrial zoning based on on-site power generation. Creates 300-foot residential buffers, noise limits of 55 decibels at property lines, landscaping requirements, and equipment screening standards for facilities adjacent to residential areas.

What Residents Have Said

Courtney Fickus opposed bringing data centers to St. Charles Parish, arguing that industrial investments poison the community rather than benefit it. (Apr 6)
Rebecca Hilburn raised concerns about enforcement mechanisms and penalties for data centers that violate regulations. (Apr 6)
Andrew Marcus supported smart data center regulation and cited Richland Parish receiving 90 million dollars in benefits, arguing data centers are cleaner and more lucrative than chemical plants. (Apr 6)
George Vance expressed concern that backup generators running during outages would violate noise standards and that the ordinance should ensure community benefits. (Apr 6)
Joseph Coco spoke in support of regulation but noted significant gaps in the ordinance regarding AI-specific data centers and backup generation capacity. (Apr 6)

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