How Bishop Handles Data Centers & Crypto Mining: A Practical Guide
Bishop maintains 56 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with data centers & crypto mining. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bishop falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Data Center Noise Limits
Bishop sets no decibel limit. Municipal Code Chapter 8.12 bans any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that injures or endangers health, peace or safety, and exempts construction between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Data-center cooling and generators are judged by that nuisance standard.
Key details: Code: Muni Code Chapter 8.12. Decibel limit: None adopted. Standard: Loud, unnecessary or unusual noise. Construction hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Audibility test: 50 feet, 10 p.m. to 8 a.m..
Noise in violation of Chapter 8.12 is enforced by the city under the general penalty provisions of Chapter 1.16, and can breach conditions attached to a data center's use permit.
Data Center Zoning & Siting
Bishop has no data-center ordinance and no "data center" use. Server buildings go in the M-1 General Industrial District under Municipal Code Chapter 17.60, which lists no such use, so the planning commission approves it as a similar use by use permit.
Key details: Dedicated ordinance: None. Industrial zone: M-1 (Chapter 17.60). Data center listed: No; similar-use permit required. Height cap: Two stories or 30 feet. Minimum lot: 20,000 square feet.
Building or operating a data center outside M-1, or without the required land use permit and use permit, violates Title 17 and is enforced by the city under Chapter 17.88, where each day is a separate offense.
The Bottom Line
Bishop's data centers & crypto mining rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bishop is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Bishop's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.