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Data Centers & Crypto Mining

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

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in San Mateo 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. San Mateo 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

City of San Mateo Municipal Code Sec. 7.30.040 caps noise measured on the receiving property: 70 dB anytime in manufacturing zones, and 60 dB daytime, 50 dB nighttime at single-family homes. Data-center chillers and generators must meet the receiving property's limit.

Key details: Code: Muni Code Sec. 7.30.040. Industrial zone limit: 70 dB any hour. Single-family home limit: 60 dB day / 50 night. Night hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Measured at: The receiving property.

Noise over the Sec. 7.30.040 standards is unlawful and enforced by the City through citations and abatement, and can breach noise conditions attached to a data center's special use permit.

Data Center Zoning & Siting

The City of San Mateo has no data-center ordinance and no data-center use category. Data centers land in M1 manufacturing or E1/E2 executive office districts, permitted as a compatible use determined by the Zoning Administrator.

Key details: Dedicated ordinance: None. Zones: M1 manufacturing; E1, E2 office. Classification: Zoning Administrator, other compatible uses. Discretionary path: Special use permit, Chapter 27.74. Environmental review: CEQA on discretionary permits.

Operating a data center outside a district where the Zoning Administrator has classified it, or without a required special use permit, is a Title 27 violation enforced through code enforcement, permit revocation, and abatement.

The Bottom Line

San Mateo'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 San Mateo is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects San Mateo's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.