Downey, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Muni Code § 4606.3
- Manufacturing limit
- 70 db(A) any hour
- Residential limit
- 55 day / 45 night
- Commercial limit
- 65 db(A) any hour
- Measured at
- Property boundary
Summary
Downey caps steady noise at the property boundary: 70 db(A) any hour on manufacturing land, 65 db(A) commercial, and 55 db(A) day / 45 db(A) night at residential property. Municipal Code § 4606.3 sets the limits; data-center cooling and generators must comply.
If the alleged noise source is of a continuous nature and cannot reasonably be discontinued for a time period wherein the ambient noise level can be determined, the maximum permissible steady noise level by sound sources across the property boundary of any land use cited below may be less, but not greater than:
Full Breakdown
Downey's noise ordinance, Municipal Code § 4606.3, sets maximum permissible steady noise levels measured at the property boundary. For a continuous source the limits are: Residential 55 db(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 45 db(A) overnight; Commercial 65 db(A) at all hours; Manufacturing 70 db(A) at all hours. Where a parcel has multiple land uses, the lower standard applies. Separately, § 4600.1 makes any noise over 100 decibels at 25 feet a prima facie violation. A data center's cooling towers, chillers, and backup generators are measured against the nearest receiver - the 45 db(A) residential overnight floor binds where manufacturing land abuts homes.
Violations & Fines
Steady noise exceeding the § 4606.3 limits is prima facie evidence of a public nuisance; Downey enforces through citations, and a permitted data center can breach the noise conditions on its Conditional Use Permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in Downey?
What noise rule protects homes near a Downey data center?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Downey
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