Alameda, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Muni Code Sec. 4-10.4
- Residential
- 55 dB(A) day / 50 night
- Absolute ceiling
- 75 day / 70 night
- Commercial
- 65 dB(A) daytime
- Substation equipment
- 60 dB(A)
Summary
Municipal Code Section 4-10.4 caps exterior noise at a receiving home at 55 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) at night for more than thirty minutes an hour, with absolute ceilings of 75 and 70 dB(A).
Exterior noise levels when measured at any receiving single or multiple family residential, school, hospital, church, public library or commercial property situated in the City do not conform to the provisions of this subsection when they exceed the noise level standards set forth in Table I or Table II following:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 74).
Full Breakdown
Alameda's noise ordinance, Municipal Code Section 4-10.4, sets a sliding table measured at the receiving property. At single or multiple family residential, school, hospital, church, or public library property the limit is 55 dB(A) day and 50 dB(A) night for thirty minutes in any hour, 65/60 for five minutes, and 75/70 for any duration at all. Commercial receivers get 65 dB(A) day and 60 dB(A) night, rising to 85/80. Daytime runs 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Every standard drops 5 dB(A) for simple tone noise, which captures chiller and fan whine. Transformer and electrical substation equipment is capped at 60 dB(A).
Violations & Fines
Noise above the Section 4-10.4 standards is unlawful. The Planning Department investigates complaints, measures the source, and can order it to comply within six months or cease producing the noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in the City of Alameda?
Does Alameda have data-center-specific noise rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Data Center Noise Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle data center noise limits.