ST. CHARLES — There won't be any data centers built in St. Charles at least until next August — but city leaders say they will still spend a lot of time talking about them.

In an unanimous decision, the St. Charles City Council approved on Friday a ban on zoning changes or building permits for data centers until Aug. 22 next year.

"This is a proactive, responsible step to protect the health, safety and the character of our city," said Councilwoman Denise Mitchell.

"We all understand that growth is important," she said, "but it must be managed carefully, with honesty, integrity and community input at the forefront."

During the next year, city leaders say they will "conduct a comprehensive review of zoning and development standards," and evaluate how existing data centers in other cities

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