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Data Centers & Crypto Mining

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

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles data centers & crypto mining a little differently. In Sacramento, 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

The City of Sacramento has no data-center ordinance and no "data center" use category. Data centers locate in the M-1 light-industrial and M-2 heavy-industrial zones under Title 17, classified as "Manufacturing, service, and repair" - permitted by right, or by conditional use permit with CEQA review when discretionary.

Key details: Dedicated ordinance: None. Zones: M-1, M-2 industrial. Use category: Nearest industrial; none specific. Permit: By-right or CUP. Review: CEQA + PDC hearing.

Building or operating a data center outside a zone that permits it, or without a required conditional use permit, is a Title 17 zoning violation enforced by Community Development through stop-work orders, penalties, and abatement.

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

Data Center Noise Limits

Sacramento City Code section 8.68.060 caps exterior noise at agricultural and residential property at 55 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. A data center's cooling and generators must comply.

Key details: Code: City Code Sec. 8.68.060. Daytime limit: 55 dBA (7am-10pm). Nighttime limit: 50 dBA (10pm-7am). Tonal noise: Minus 5 dBA. Measured at: Residential property.

Exceeding the section 8.68.060 exterior noise standards is a City Code violation; enforcement can bring citations and, for a permitted project, breach of noise conditions on its conditional use permit.

The Bottom Line

Sacramento'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 Sacramento is broadly strict or permissive.

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