Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Santa Barbara, CA (2026)
2 verified data centers & crypto mining rules for Santa Barbara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Data Center Zoning & Siting
The City of Santa Barbara has no data-center ordinance and no data center use classification. A server facility is assigned by the Planning Director to the closest listed use - Industry, Limited or Research and Development - in the M-C and M-I manufacturing zones.
Santa Barbara Data Center Zoning and Siting
Light RestrictionsSanta Barbara, CA, Municipal Code § 30.30.020 (Land Use Regulations, Manufacturing Zones); Table 30.30.020
In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character. Use classifications and subclassifications not listed in the table, or not found to be substantially similar to the uses below, are prohibited.
Data Center Noise Limits
The City of Santa Barbara caps mechanical equipment at 53 dBA measured at the property line of any adjacent parcel used or zoned residential, public, or semi-public. SBMC Section 9.16.070.D sets that limit, and data-center chillers and generators must meet it.
Santa Barbara Data Center Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsSanta Barbara, CA, Municipal Code § 9.16.070.D (Noise Limitations)
All mechanical equipment other than vehicles (including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems) shall be insulated. Sound at the property line of any adjacent parcel used or zoned for residential, public, or semi-public uses shall not exceed 53 A-weighted decibels 53dB(A). All wind machines are prohibited in the City.
Looking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Barbara city rules.
Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Santa Barbara County →