Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Rialto, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Rialto or are thinking about moving there, data centers & crypto mining are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Rialto has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of data centers & crypto mining, and some of them might surprise you.

Data Center Noise Limits

Rialto's noise ordinance, Municipal Code Chapter 9.50, sets no decibel limits. It bans plainly audible and unreasonably loud noise, and Section 9.50.060(O) exempts sounds in industrial zones incidental to permitted uses. San Bernardino County, by contrast, caps 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night.

Key details: Code: Muni Code Chapter 9.50. Decibel limit: None adopted. Standard: Plainly audible; unreasonably loud. Equipment hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Industrial exemption: Section 9.50.060(O).

A noise violation under Section 9.50.030 is an infraction and a public nuisance, drawing citations, criminal and civil penalties, and abatement orders from Rialto code enforcement officers or police.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Rialto actively enforces its data center noise limits requirements.

Data Center Zoning & Siting

Rialto has no data-center ordinance and no data-center use category. Data centers site in the M-1 light manufacturing and M-2 general manufacturing zones, where Municipal Code 18.38.020 permits data processing laboratories by right, or in the PID zone by conditional development permit.

Key details: Dedicated ordinance: None. Zones: M-1, M-2, PID industrial. By-right: Data processing laboratories (18.38.020). PID zone: Conditional development permit required. Moratorium: None adopted.

Building or operating a data center outside a manufacturing zone, or without a required conditional development permit, is a zoning violation enforced by Rialto Code Enforcement through citations, nuisance abatement, and stop-work orders.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Rialto gives residents more flexibility on data center zoning & siting.

The Bottom Line

Rialto'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 Rialto is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Rialto's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.