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Madera County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Daytime Limit
50 dB Leq (70 max)
Nighttime Limit
45 dB Leq (65 max)
Measured At
Receiving-use property line
Tonal Penalty
Minus 5 dB
Max Penalty
$1,000 per offense

Summary

Madera County holds stationary noise from data-center cooling and generators to its General Plan Noise Element: 50 dB Leq daytime and 45 dB Leq nighttime, measured at a nearby home's property line. County Code Chapter 9.58 adds a nuisance standard enforced by citation.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Madera County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Each of the noise levels specified above shall be lowered by 5 dB for pure tone noises, noises consisting primarily of speech or music, or for recurring impulsive noises. These noise level standards do not apply to residential units established in conjunction with industrial or commercial uses (e.g., caretaker dwellings).

Source: Madera County General Plan & Zoning Ordinance (Title 18); County Code Ch. 9.58 (Noise)View official code

Full Breakdown

Madera County has no noise rule written for data centers, so a facility's chillers, fans, compressors, and diesel generators are held to two layers. General Plan Noise Element Table 7.A.4 caps non-transportation (stationary) noise at a noise-sensitive property line at 50 dB hourly Leq (70 dB maximum) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dB Leq (65 dB maximum) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., each lowered 5 dB for pure-tone or impulsive noise, applied through CEQA. County Code Chapter 9.58 (amended 2025) separately bars disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise and treats sound plainly audible 50 feet from the source as prima facie evidence of a violation.

Violations & Fines

Cooling or generator noise above 50 dB Leq by day or 45 at night at a nearby home breaches the General Plan and Chapter 9.58. Violations are a misdemeanor and public nuisance, drawing citations up to $1,000 per offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a Madera County data center be?
No more than 50 dB Leq during the day (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 45 dB Leq at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.), measured at a nearby home's property line under General Plan Table 7.A.4. Tonal noise is held 5 dB lower.
Are data center backup generators and chillers covered?
Yes. Generators, chillers, and compressors are non-transportation noise sources under Table 7.A.4 and must meet the 50/45 dB Leq limits at nearby homes. County Code Chapter 9.58 adds a nuisance standard enforced by citation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Madera County

Data Center Zoning & SitingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Madera County rules

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Data Center Noise Limits in Cities Across Madera County

Madera, CA