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

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code
Muni Code Sec. 20.12.030.C
Daytime limit
70 dBA, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Night limit
60 dBA, 9 p.m.-7 a.m.
Next to homes
No noise 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Measured at
Beyond the property line

Summary

Merced's industrial performance standards cap noise beyond the property line at 70 dBA from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 60 dBA overnight. A use abutting residential zoning may transmit no noise from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Maximum Exposure. No operation or activity shall transmit any noise exceeding 70 dBA between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and 60 dBA between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. beyond the property line. Any uses abutting residential zoning shall not transmit any noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. beyond the property line.

Source: Merced Municipal Code Title 20 (Merced City Zoning Ordinance), Chapters 20.12 and 20.68View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 - 1-26).

Full Breakdown

Municipal Code Section 20.12.030.C.1 applies to all land uses and structures in the I-L and I-H districts, so data-center chillers, cooling towers, and backup generators fall under it. The cap is 70 dBA beyond the property line between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and 60 dBA between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. A use abutting residential zoning may transmit no noise beyond the property line from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. An applicant whose operation exceeds the stated level must submit a noise mitigation plan to obtain building permits. Merced County instead measures 65 dBA Ldn beside homes.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the Section 20.12.030 limits blocks building permit issuance without a mitigation plan and breaches the noise conditions attached to a site plan review or conditional use permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a data center be in the City of Merced?
Up to 70 dBA beyond the property line between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., and 60 dBA between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., under Municipal Code Section 20.12.030.C.
What if a Merced data center sits next to homes?
A use abutting residential zoning may transmit no noise beyond the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. An operation over the limit must submit a mitigation plan before building permits issue.
Does Merced have a data-center noise rule?
No. The industrial performance standards in Section 20.12.030.C cover every industrial use. Ask the Planning Commission for data-center standards: https://www.cityofmerced.gov/business-and-development/planning/planning-commission

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Merced

Landscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsData Center Zoning & SitingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsBuilding Safety: Plumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding Safety: Electrical PermitsSome Restrictions

All Merced rules

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