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Kern 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
65 dB Ldn (7am-10pm)
Nighttime Limit
65 dB or ambient +5 dB
Applies Within
500 ft of residential
Governing Section
Zoning Ord. 19.80.030.S
M-3 District
Exempt from this standard

Summary

Kern County's Zoning Ordinance caps stationary commercial and industrial noise at 65 dB Ldn measured at the nearest home when a use sits within 500 feet of residential zoning (Section 19.80.030.S). A data center's chillers, cooling fans, and backup generators must meet this exterior standard.

City-specific rules exist: Bakersfield has its own data center noise limits rules that differ from Kern County's county-level regulations. If you live in Bakersfield, check the city-specific page instead.

The use shall not generate noise that exceeds an average 65 dB Ldn (24 hour median) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Source: Kern County Zoning Ordinance (Title 19) & County General Plan Noise ElementView official code

Full Breakdown

Kern County writes its numeric noise standard into the Zoning Ordinance rather than a standalone chapter. Under Section 19.80.030.S, all non-mobile (stationary) noise sources from commercial and industrial uses, except those in the M-3 Heavy Industrial District, that sit within 500 feet of residentially zoned or developed land (E, R-1, R-2, R-3) may not generate noise exceeding an average of 65 dB Ldn between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) may not exceed 65 dB or a 5 dB increase over ambient, whichever is greater. Measurements are taken with an A-weighted meter at the exterior of the closest residential dwelling.

Violations & Fines

Cooling or generator noise above 65 dB Ldn at a nearby home, or above the nighttime ambient-plus-5 dB level, violates Section 19.80.030.S; the Planning Director can require noise attenuation measures and code enforcement can compel abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a Kern County data center be?
No more than 65 dB Ldn (average) measured at the nearest home during the day, and 65 dB or 5 dB over ambient at night, when the site is within 500 feet of residential zoning, under Section 19.80.030.S.
Are data center backup generators covered for noise?
Yes. Generators, chillers, and compressors are stationary noise sources under Section 19.80.030.S and must meet the 65 dB Ldn limit at nearby homes. The Planning Director may require attenuation measures as a condition of approval.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kern County

Data Center Zoning & SitingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy RestrictionsZoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus LawSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Turf Replacement RebatesSignificant RestrictionsSign Regulations: Political SignsSome Restrictions

All Kern County rules

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Data Center Noise Limits in Cities Across Kern County

Bakersfield, CARidgecrest, CADelano, CA