Cupertino, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning cap
- CMC 19.72.050
- Industrial property line
- 65 dB day / 55 night
- Next to residential zoning
- 60 dB day
- Chapter 10.48 at homes
- 60 dBA day / 50 night
- Daytime hours
- 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays
Summary
Two Cupertino rules bind cooling and generator noise. Zoning Section 19.72.050 caps industrial sound at 65 dB day and 55 dB night at the property line, dropping to 60 dB day next to residential zoning. Chapter 10.48 caps noise reaching homes at 60 dBA day, 50 dBA night.
Every use shall be operated in such manner that the volume of sound inherently and recurrently generated shall not exceed sixty-five (65) decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night, at any point on the property line on which the use is located.
Full Breakdown
Cupertino Municipal Code Section 19.72.050 applies inside the ML and MP districts: sound inherently and recurrently generated cannot exceed 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night at any point on the property line, tightening to 60 decibels during the day where that line abuts residentially zoned property. Separately, Chapter 10.48 Community Noise Control measures at the receiving property. Noise reaching a residential parcel cannot exceed 60 dBA daytime or 50 dBA nighttime; at a nonresidential parcel the caps are 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Daytime runs 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Continuous chillers and generator testing are measured against the tighter of the two.
Violations & Fines
Noise above the Section 19.72.050 or Chapter 10.48 limits is a municipal code violation. Code Enforcement can cite the operator, and a permitted facility can lose its use permit conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in Cupertino?
What noise limit protects Cupertino homes at night?
How does Cupertino differ from Santa Clara County on noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
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Data Center Noise Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle data center noise limits.