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Marin 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
50 dBA Leq (7am-10pm)
Nighttime Limit
45 dBA Leq (10pm-7am)
Measured At
Receiving-use property line
Impulsive Max Level
65 / 60 dBA
Governing Standard
Countywide Plan Figure 3-43

Summary

Marin County caps new stationary-source noise at 50 dBA Leq daytime and 45 dBA Leq at night, measured at the property line of the affected home. A data center's cooling and generators would be held to these Countywide Plan Noise Element benchmarks through permit and CEQA review.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Marin County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The Benchmarks for Allowable Noise Exposure from Stationary Noise Sources in Figure 3-43 shall be used as a guide for establishing allowable noise levels produced by stationary noise sources. These standards shall apply to new residential projects and other noise-sensitive land uses proposed near stationary noise sources.

Source: Marin County Development Code (Title 22) & Marin Countywide Plan Noise ElementView official code

Full Breakdown

The Marin Countywide Plan Built Environment Element sets the noise benchmarks applied during permit and CEQA review. Program NO-1.a and Figure 3-43, Benchmarks for Allowable Noise Exposure from Stationary Noise Sources, set an exterior hourly Leq of 50 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the property line of the receiving land use, with maximum-level tiers of 70/65 and 65/60 dBA for impulsive noise. The standard rises to match a neighborhood that is already louder. A data center's chillers, cooling fans, and generator testing would be conditioned to meet these limits. The county's Municipal Code noise chapter (6.70) mainly addresses construction and nuisance noise, not a numeric stationary cap.

Violations & Fines

Cooling or generator noise exceeding the Figure 3-43 benchmarks at a neighboring property line violates a project's conditions of approval. The Community Development Agency can require added mitigation, issue notices of violation, and withhold or condition permits under CEQA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a data center be in unincorporated Marin County?
Under Countywide Plan Figure 3-43, stationary-source noise at an affected property line may not exceed 50 dBA Leq daytime or 45 dBA Leq at night, adjusted for the neighborhood's existing ambient noise level.
Where is data-center noise measured in Marin County?
At the exterior property line of the affected receiving land use, such as a home, not at the data center's own boundary. The benchmarks are applied to new stationary sources through CEQA and discretionary review.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Marin County

Data Center Zoning & SitingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All Marin County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview

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