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

2 rules for unincorporated Nevada County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Data Center Zoning & Siting

Nevada County has no data-center-specific ordinance. A data center is treated as an industrial use and belongs in the BP (Business Park), M1 (Light Industrial), or M2 (Heavy Industrial) district under Section 12.02.050, needing a Development Permit and CEQA review. County zoning governs unincorporated land only.

Nevada County Data Center Zoning (BP, M1, M2)

Some Restrictions

Nevada County, CA, Code Section 12.02.050(B)(2) (Industrial Districts)

M1 (Light Industrial). The M1 District provides areas for the production, repairing, distribution, and warehousing of goods and equipment, along with supporting businesses and services.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Data Center Noise Limits

Nevada County's General Plan Noise Element (Policy 9.1.2, Table 9.1) sets the noise ceiling. Data-center cooling and generators are measured at a neighboring home or school, where the limit is 55 dBA Leq daytime and 45 dBA Leq at night - 40 dBA at night for rural land.

Nevada County Noise Limits for Data Centers

Some Restrictions

Nevada County General Plan, Noise Element, Policy 9.1.2, Table 9.1 (Noise Standards, note c)

The above standards shall be measured only on property containing a noise sensitive land use as defined in Policy 9.8 and may be measured anywhere on the property containing said land use.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Nevada County ordinances

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