Anaheim, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Limit
- 60 dBA at property line
- Metric
- A-scale, slowest response
- Hours
- Applies day and night
- Code
- Sec. 6.70.010
- Penalty
- Infraction, then misdemeanor
Summary
Anaheim caps sound from any premises at 60 dBA on the A-scale, measured at any point on the property line for noise radiated over extended periods. A data center's cooling equipment and backup generators must meet this single limit day and night.
No person shall within the City create any sound radiated for extended periods from any premises which produces a sound pressure level at any point on the property line in excess of sixty decibels (Re 0.0002 Microbar) read on the A-scale of a sound level meter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Code: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026 | Zoning: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code Section 6.70.010 prohibits creating any sound radiated for extended periods that produces a sound pressure level over 60 dBA on the A-scale at any point on the property line, read with the meter's slowest response. It is a flat citywide ceiling, with no day/night split and no separate residential, commercial, or industrial tiers. The microphone is placed at least three feet from any wall and three feet above ground, readings are averaged over three samples at two-minute intervals, and a reading counts only if it is five dB above background. This is the limit a data center's chillers, cooling towers, and generators must satisfy. Construction noise is exempt between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 6.70.020, a first violation is an infraction and each subsequent violation is a misdemeanor, enforced by Anaheim's Code Enforcement Manager under Section 6.70.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in Anaheim?
Does Anaheim set different nighttime noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
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