Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Kern County, CA (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Kern County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Data Center Zoning & Siting
Kern County has no dedicated data center ordinance. In unincorporated areas a data center is an industrial use, sited in the M-1, M-2, or M-3 districts under Zoning Ordinance Title 19, cleared through a Planning Director plot plan review and CEQA. Bakersfield, Delano, and Ridgecrest set their own zoning.
Kern County Data Center Zoning and Siting Rules
Few RestrictionsKern County Zoning Ordinance (Title 19), Chapter 19.36, Section 19.36.010 (Light Industrial M-1 District)
The purpose of the Light Industrial (M-1) District is to designate areas for wholesale commercial, storage, trucking, assembly-type manufacturing, and other similar industrial uses.
Data Center Noise Limits
Kern County's Zoning Ordinance caps stationary commercial and industrial noise at 65 dB Ldn measured at the nearest home when a use sits within 500 feet of residential zoning (Section 19.80.030.S). A data center's chillers, cooling fans, and backup generators must meet this exterior standard.
Kern County Data Center Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsKern County Zoning Ordinance (Title 19), Chapter 19.80, Section 19.80.030.S.1 (Development and Performance Standards, Commercial and Industrial Districts)
The use shall not generate noise that exceeds an average 65 dB Ldn (24 hour median) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Data Centers & Crypto Mining by City in Kern County
1 cities in Kern County have their own data centers & crypto mining rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Kern County ordinances
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