Data Center & BESS Moratorium FAQs
Overview
Frequently Asked Questions about the City Council's Data Center and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Moratoriums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Independence City Council approved a temporary 180-day moratorium on new applications, permits and licenses related to data centers and battery energy storage system facilities.
A moratorium is a temporary pause. In this case, it gives the City time to review current rules and decide whether updates are needed.
The moratorium applies to new data processing and hosting facilities, commonly known as data centers, and battery energy storage system facilities, also known as BESS facilities.
No. The moratorium only applies to new projects or applications that have not already been submitted to, authorized or approved by the City.
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.
Council approved the temporary pause to give the City time to review zoning, building, fire, business licensing, development and public safety considerations related to future data centers and battery energy storage system facilities.
The moratorium is for 180 days. It may be extended if additional time is needed.
No. The moratorium is not a ban. It is a temporary pause on new applications while the City reviews whether additional local regulations are needed.
The City will review current regulations and consider whether updates are needed to help guide future development responsibly.
Resources
Presentation materials will be posted here as they become available.
City Council Meeting
July 6, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Independence Municipal Commons