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Data Centers & Crypto Mining

Pomona's Data Centers & Crypto Mining: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles data centers & crypto mining a little differently. In Pomona, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Data Center Zoning & Siting

Pomona has no data-center ordinance, but its Zoning Ordinance lists "data processing" as a by-right permitted use in the "M" Special Industrial Zone. Data centers also fit the M-1 light-industrial and C-IND commercial-industrial districts, permitted by right when housed in a fully enclosed building.

Key details: Dedicated ordinance: None. By-right use: "Data processing" in M zone. Industrial zones: C-IND, M, M-1. Permit level: By-right; ministerial building permit. Discretionary review: CEQA if applicable.

Operating a data center outside Pomona's industrial zones, or outside a totally enclosed building where required, violates the Zoning Ordinance, enforced by Planning and Code Enforcement through stop-work orders, penalties, and abatement.

Pomona is more permissive than most cities when it comes to data center zoning & siting. That said, there are still limits.

Data Center Noise Limits

Pomona's noise ordinance, City Code Sec. 18-311, caps exterior sound at the receiving property line by zone: single-family homes 60 dB(A) day and 50 dB(A) night; commercial 65/60; industrial 70 dB(A) at any hour. Data-center cooling and generators must meet the limit for whichever property they reach.

Key details: Code: City Code Sec. 18-311. Single-family home: 60 day / 50 night dB(A). Industrial limit: 70 dB(A) any hour. Commercial limit: 65 day / 60 night. Measured at: Receiving property line.

Noise over the Sec. 18-311 limits is a public nuisance and a misdemeanor or infraction, abatable by injunction and lien, and enforced by the Pomona Police against the offending property.

The Bottom Line

Pomona'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 Pomona is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Pomona 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.