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

2 rules for unincorporated Merced County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Data Center Zoning & Siting

Merced County has no dedicated data center ordinance. In unincorporated areas a data center is treated as an industrial use, sited in the B-P, M-1, or M-2 industrial zones under the Title 18 Zoning Code, subject to permit review and CEQA. Merced, Los Banos, and Atwater set their own zoning.

Merced County Data Center Zoning and Siting Rules

Few Restrictions

Merced County Zoning Code, Section 18.16.020(E) (Industrial Zone Land Uses and Permit Requirements) (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

Industrial uses not listed below may be reviewed by the director to determine if they are similar to those listed and appropriate in this zone and, if so, what type of permit is required, in compliance with Section 18.04.040.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Data Center Noise Limits

Merced County's Zoning Code performance standards cap mechanical-equipment noise at any property line at 65 dBA Ldn (75 Lmax) next to a residential use and 70 dBA Ldn (80 Lmax) elsewhere. Data center cooling equipment and backup generators must meet these limits.

Merced County Data Center Noise Limits

Some Restrictions

Merced County Zoning Code, Section 18.40.050 (Noise), Performance Standards

If the proposed use is adjacent to a residential land use or property that is zoned for residential use, the allowable noise level shall not exceed 65 dBA Ldn or 75 dBA Lmax at the property line.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Merced County ordinances

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