Mountain View, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Ch. 10, Art. 13
- Standard
- Noise disturbance nuisance
- Numeric dBA limit
- None citywide
- Test
- Reasonable person, normal sensitivities
- Measured at
- Residential property boundary
Summary
Mountain View does not set numeric decibel limits. Its Noise Control ordinance, City Code Chapter 10, Article 13, prohibits any noise that creates a "noise disturbance" across a residential property boundary, judged by a reasonable person of normal sensitivities. A data center's cooling and generators must meet that standard.
No person shall make, continue or cause to be made or continued any noise that creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, including but not limited to the specific noise disturbances prohibited by this Article.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-04-20B, passed May 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Mountain View's approach differs sharply from Santa Clara County's numeric limits of 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA night. City Code Section 10.13.030 makes it unlawful to make or continue any noise that creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary. Section 10.13.020 defines a "noise disturbance" as sound that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities, or endangers health or property. There is no citywide decibel table for stationary sources. A data center's continuous chillers, cooling towers, and backup generators are controlled through this nuisance standard and through noise conditions imposed during Development Review, where the General Plan's land-use compatibility levels guide project design.
Violations & Fines
Noise that creates a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary violates Section 10.13.030 and is enforced by the City through citations and abatement, plus breach of any Development Review noise conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mountain View have a decibel limit for data centers?
How is a data center's cooling noise controlled in Mountain View?
Can residents push for numeric data-center noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mountain View
California rules heatmap·Compare Mountain View 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.