San Bernardino County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential Cap
- 55 dB(A) day / 45 night
- Tonal Noise
- Limits cut 5 dB(A)
- Effective Cap
- 50 day / 40 night
- HVAC Exemption
- None
- Heat Limit
- 10 degrees F at line
Summary
The county Development Code sets stationary-source noise limits, measured at the nearest noise-sensitive property line. A data center next to homes cannot exceed 55 dB(A) daytime or 45 dB(A) at night. Because chiller and generator noise is a steady tone, the limits drop another 5 dB(A) to 50 and 40.
If the alleged offense consists entirely of impact noise or simple tone noise, each of the noise levels in Table 83-2 (Noise Standards for Stationary Noise Sources) shall be reduced by five dB(A).
(g) Exempt Noise. The following sources of noise shall be exempt from the regulations of this Section:
(1) Motor vehicles not under the control of the commercial or industrial use.
(2) Emergency equipment, vehicles, and devices.
(3) Temporary construction, maintenance, repair, or demolition activities between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., except Sundays and Federal holidays.
(h) Noise Standards for Other Structures. All other structures shall be sound attenuated against the combined input of all present and projected exterior noise to not exceed the criteria.
Table 83-4 Noise Standards for Other Structures Typical Uses 12-Hour Equivalent Sound Level (Interior) in dBA Ldn Educational, institutions, libraries, 45
meeting facilities, etc. General office, reception, etc. 50 Retail stores, restaurants, etc. 55 Other areas for manufacturing, assembly, 65 testing, warehousing, etc.
In addition, the average of the maximum levels on the loudest of intrusive sounds occurring during a 24-hour period shall not exceed 65 dBA interior. (Ord. 4011, passed - -2007; Am. Ord. 4245, passed - -2014)
Full Breakdown
Development Code Section 83.01.080 caps noise from stationary sources by the receiving land use: for residential, 55 dB(A) day (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and 45 dB(A) night, measured at the nearest noise-sensitive property line. Industrial receivers allow 70 dB(A). Two features hit data centers directly. Subdivision (f) reduces every Table 83-2 limit by 5 dB(A) when the noise is a simple tone, exactly the steady whine of cooling fans, transformers, and generators, making the effective residential caps 50 dB(A) day and 40 dB(A) night. Unlike some counties, the ordinance does not exempt air-conditioning equipment. Section 83.01.070 separately bars industrial uses from raising an adjacent property's temperature more than ten degrees Fahrenheit.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Table 83-2 limits at a neighboring noise-sensitive property is a Development Code violation, enforced by Land Use Services through abatement, permit conditions, and penalties. Tonal cooling and power equipment is measured against the reduced 50/40 dB(A) caps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a San Bernardino County data center be near homes?
Does the county exempt data center cooling equipment from noise rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.