Jackson County Legislature Approves 180-day Moratorium on Data Center Applications

Posted June 23, 2026

The Jackson County Legislature approved a 180-day moratorium on data center land use and Battery Energy Storage Systems.

The ordinance places a six-month pause on applications to develop a long-term policy and accompanying County Code provisions related to such applications, including guidance on regulatory standards and enhanced public notification requirements.

The legislature passed 8-0, during the Monday meeting with one excused vote.

“At the Stop the AI Data Center town hall in Independence, residents made it clear they wanted their voices heard before decisions of this magnitude are made,” Chairman Manny Abarca said in a press release before the meeting. “This ordinance is about pressing pause—not stopping progress. It allows Jackson County to carefully evaluate the long-term impacts these projects could have on our neighborhoods, infrastructure, public safety, utilities, and quality of life.”

During the 180 days, Jackson County Executive and Public Works will conduct a comprehensive review of existing land-use policies, zoning regulations, and development standards related to data centers and Battery Energy Storage Systems. The review is intended to produce recommendations that better protect residents while providing clear expectations for future development, according to the release.

The ordinance was first proposed in April with a 120-day lifespan.

In March, the City of Independence approved plans for a data center developed by Dutch company Nebius. The project is located off Little Blue Parkway and Highway 78 and consists of four buildings. Independence residents voiced their concerns regarding the project by staging a protest and even taking the case to court; however, a Jackson County judge ruled in favor of the City’s decision, allowing development to proceed.

Nebius broke ground on the development in May.