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Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Santa Monica, CA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Data Center Zoning & Siting

Santa Monica classifies a data center as a Communication Facility, Equipment within Buildings - indoor space holding computer servers. The use needs a Conditional Use Permit in the IC Industrial Conservation district, is permitted by right in the OC Office Campus district, and is barred from residential zones.

Santa Monica Data Center Zoning and Siting

Significant Restrictions

Santa Monica, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 9.51.030(D)(4) (Communication Facilities); Table 9.13.020 (Land Use Regulations - Employment Districts)

Communication Facilities. Facilities for the provision of broadcasting and other information relay services through the use of electronic and telephonic mechanisms. ... Equipment within Buildings. Indoor facilities containing primarily communication equipment and storage devices such as computer servers.

Data Center Noise Limits

Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.12 caps exterior noise at the property line. Residential Zone I limits are 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA overnight; industrial Zone III is 70 dBA at any hour. A data center's cooling and generators must meet the nearest zone's limit.

Santa Monica Data Center Noise Limits

Some Restrictions

Santa Monica, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 4.12.060 (Exterior Noise Standards); Sec. 4.12.050 (Designated Noise Zones)

no person shall at any location within the City create any noise or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person, which causes: The equivalent noise level to exceed the noise standards established in subsection (a) of this Section for the noise zone where the measurement is taken

Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?

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

Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Los Angeles County