Aurora, IL Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Crypto Mining Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Use classification
- Data Center Facility, Use 3305
- Permit type
- Conditional use permit required
- Noise limit
- 57 dB day / 47 dB night
- Energy efficiency cap
- Power Usage Effectiveness ≤ 1.2
- Nuclear power
- Modular reactors prohibited
Summary
Cryptocurrency mining operates under Aurora's Data Center Facility use (3305) and needs a conditional use permit in Office, Research, Light Industrial, and industrial zones, backed by mandatory noise, water, and energy studies.
This 3300 Use Category is comprised of facilities, whether a single building, or a series of buildings rehabilitated or constructed, which house working servers that primarily provide the storage, management, distribution, and processing of digital data...These uses include but are not limited to electronic storage data center facilities and cryptocurrency center facilities.
Full Breakdown
Aurora's zoning code defines "Data Center Facility" (Use 3305) to expressly include cryptocurrency center facilities, and treats them as a conditional use, never by-right, in Office, Research and Light Industrial, and industrial districts. Applicants must submit sound, water-consumption, and energy-modeling studies with the application. Approved facilities must hold noise to 57 dB(A) daytime/47 dB(A) nighttime at the property line, cap Power Usage Effectiveness at 1.2 and Water Usage Effectiveness at 0.2, install on-site renewable generation or battery storage, and are barred from any modular nuclear reactor. The rule applies the same way citywide, across all four counties Aurora sits in, Kane, DuPage, Will, and Kendall.
Violations & Fines
Building or operating a data center or crypto-mining facility without an approved conditional use permit is a zoning violation, enforced by the Zoning Administrator through stop-work orders, fines, and permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cryptocurrency mining allowed in Aurora, Illinois?
Can a crypto mining facility open in a residential area of Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Illinois data centers & crypto mining overview
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