MO HB1676

Requires municipalities to mandate a comprehensive economic impact study for any large-scale retail development (75,000+ gross square feet) before issuing a land use permit.

Applicants must pay a $40,000 fee to the Department of Economic Development to fund the study, with costs capped so the fee covers the study and related municipal expenses.

Study must be completed within four months and analyze 11 factors including effects on existing retail, employment, wages, municipal revenues, infrastructure costs, and public subsidies.

Municipal reviewing authority must hold a public hearing and can only approve the permit if the study shows "no undue adverse impact" (when negative effects on at least two of the studied factors outweigh positive effects, approval is denied).

Municipalities with existing economic and community impact review criteria for large-scale retail developments are exempt from these requirements.