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Data Centers & Crypto Mining

How Lakewood Handles Data Centers & Crypto Mining: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Lakewood maintains 128 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 Lakewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Data Center Zoning & Siting

Lakewood has no data-center ordinance and no "data center" definition in its zoning code. A server facility is sited in the M-1 or M-2 manufacturing zones under the catch-all industrial use clause, subject to a nuisance limit on excessive noise.

Key details: Dedicated ordinance: None. Zones: M-1, M-2 manufacturing. Use category: No data center definition. Classification: Director of Community Development. Discretionary permits: Trigger CEQA review.

Operating a data center outside M-1 or M-2, or without required permits, violates the zoning ordinance. Section 4327 lets the City abate unlawful use of property as a public nuisance.

Data Center Noise Limits

Lakewood sets one number, not a day-night table. Municipal Code Section 9376 caps mechanical equipment noise at 60 dBA measured at the property line of residentially zoned property, and treats an exceedance over five decibels as a public nuisance.

Key details: Code: Muni Code § 9376, § 9376.1. Residential limit: 60 dBA at property line. Day/night split: None; one all-hours limit. M-2 recycling limit: 60 dBA residential, 70 otherwise. Enforcement: Public nuisance abatement.

Section 9376.3 declares equipment noise over these levels a public nuisance subject to summary abatement, restraining order, or injunction, and makes ignoring the Director of Community Development's directions a separate violation.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Lakewood gives residents more flexibility on data center noise limits.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lakewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.