Shasta County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise Ordinance
- None; General Plan governs
- Daytime Limit
- 55 dBA hourly Leq
- Nighttime Limit
- 50 dBA hourly Leq
- Tonal / Impulsive
- Lowered 5 dB
- Measured At
- Sensitive-use property line
Summary
Shasta County has no standalone noise ordinance. A data center's cooling systems and backup generators are held to the General Plan Noise Element standard (Table N-IV): 55 dBA hourly Leq daytime and 50 dBA at night, measured at the property line of a neighboring home or other noise-sensitive use.
Noise likely to be created by a proposed non-transportation land use shall be mitigated so as not to exceed the noise level standards of Table N-IV as measured immediately within the property line of adjacent lands designated as noise-sensitive.
Full Breakdown
Shasta County regulates fixed-equipment noise through the Noise Element of its General Plan rather than a code chapter. Policy N-b requires noise from a new non-transportation land use to be mitigated so it does not exceed the Table N-IV standard - 55 dBA hourly Leq daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 50 dBA at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) - measured at the property line of adjacent noise-sensitive land. The limit drops 5 dB for tonal or recurring impulsive noise, and in rural areas the standard applies 100 feet from the residence. The Noise Element lists HVAC systems, cooling towers, generators, fans, and transformers as fixed sources of concern - exactly a data center's equipment.
Violations & Fines
There is no noise-ordinance fine schedule. Operational noise exceeding the Table N-IV standard or a permit's conditions is enforced through the county nuisance chapter (Chapter 8.28) and permit review - notices of violation, required mitigation, and use-permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in unincorporated Shasta County?
Does Shasta County have a noise ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shasta County
California rules heatmap·Compare Shasta County to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
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