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Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Merced, CA (2026)

2 verified data centers & crypto mining rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Data Center Zoning & Siting

The City of Merced has no data-center ordinance and no "data center" use category. A data center lands in the I-L or I-H industrial districts, where every use and structure requires a discretionary site plan review permit.

Merced Data Center Zoning and Siting Rules

Some Restrictions

Merced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 20.68.050.B (Site Plan Review Permit); Table 20.12-1 (Permitted Land Uses in the Industrial Zoning Districts)

Applicability. The following uses and structures require a site plan review permit: 1. All uses as shown in Part 2 (Zoning District Standards), and, 2. All proposed uses and structures within the light industrial (I-L) and heavy industrial (I-H) zoning districts.

Data Center Noise Limits

Merced's industrial performance standards cap noise beyond the property line at 70 dBA from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 60 dBA overnight. A use abutting residential zoning may transmit no noise from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Merced Data Center Noise Limits

Light Restrictions

Merced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 20.12.030.C.1.a (Industrial Performance Standards - Noise, Maximum Exposure)

Maximum Exposure. No operation or activity shall transmit any noise exceeding 70 dBA between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and 60 dBA between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. beyond the property line. Any uses abutting residential zoning shall not transmit any noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. beyond the property line.

Looking for Merced County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.

Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Merced County