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

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Monterey County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Data Center Zoning & Siting

Monterey County has no dedicated data-center ordinance. A data center is regulated only as a general industrial use: it belongs in a Light or Heavy Industrial district, needs a discretionary Use Permit, and triggers CEQA review. Coastal-zone sites also need a Coastal Development Permit. County zoning covers unincorporated land only.

Monterey County Data Center Zoning (Industrial LI/HI, Use Permit)

Some Restrictions

Monterey County Code, Title 20 (Coastal), Sec. 20.28.010 (Purpose — HI Heavy Industrial District)

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide a district which will assure an environment conducive to the development and protection of modern industry, research institutions and administrative facilities, all well designed and properly landscaped, which are not dependent on pedestrian traffic.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Data Center Noise Limits

Monterey County Code Chapter 10.60 bars any machine or device producing more than 70 dBA measured 50 feet or more from it, at any time of day. From 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. a 45 dBA hourly Leq (65 dBA maximum) also applies to data-center cooling and generators.

Monterey County Noise Limits for Data Centers

Some Restrictions

Monterey County Code, Sec. 10.60.030 (Noise Control), as amended by ordinance adopted 2024

At any time of the day, it is prohibited within the unincorporated area of the County of Monterey to operate, assist in operating, allow, or cause to be operated any machine, mechanism, device, or contrivance which produces a noise level that exceeds seventy (70) dBA measured fifty (50) feet or more therefrom.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Data Centers & Crypto Mining by City in Monterey County

1 cities in Monterey County have their own data centers & crypto mining rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

SalinasPop. 163,542

2 verified rules • Data Center Noise Limits, Data Center Zoning & Siting

All Monterey County ordinances

See every category we cover for Monterey County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Monterey County Ordinance Hub →