Sacramento, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- City Code Sec. 8.68.060
- Daytime limit
- 55 dBA (7am-10pm)
- Nighttime limit
- 50 dBA (10pm-7am)
- Tonal noise
- Minus 5 dBA
- Measured at
- Residential property
Summary
Sacramento City Code section 8.68.060 caps exterior noise at agricultural and residential property at 55 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. A data center's cooling and generators must comply.
The following noise standards unless otherwise specifically indicated in this article shall apply to all agricultural and residential properties. From seven a.m. to ten p.m. the exterior noise standard shall be fifty-five (55) dBA. From ten p.m. to seven a.m. the exterior noise standard shall be fifty (50) dBA.
Full Breakdown
Sacramento's Noise Control ordinance, City Code Chapter 8.68, sets exterior noise standards measured at agricultural and residential property. The base limit is 55 dBA during the day (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 50 dBA at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Each limit drops 5 dBA for impulsive or simple-tone noise, or noise consisting of speech or music - so steady tonal hums from chillers and transformers face a 50 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime cap at nearby homes. A data center's continuous cooling towers and backup generators are modeled against these property-line limits.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the section 8.68.060 exterior noise standards is a City Code violation; enforcement can bring citations and, for a permitted project, breach of noise conditions on its conditional use permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in the City of Sacramento?
What noise rule covers a data center's overnight hum near homes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento 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 Sacramento County handle data center noise limits.