San Mateo, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Muni Code Sec. 7.30.040
- Industrial zone limit
- 70 dB any hour
- Single-family home limit
- 60 dB day / 50 night
- Night hours
- 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Measured at
- The receiving property
Summary
City of San Mateo Municipal Code Sec. 7.30.040 caps noise measured on the receiving property: 70 dB anytime in manufacturing zones, and 60 dB daytime, 50 dB nighttime at single-family homes. Data-center chillers and generators must meet the receiving property's limit.
It is unlawful for any person to operate or cause to be operated any source of sound at any location within the City or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person, which causes the noise level when measured on any other property to exceed:
Full Breakdown
San Mateo's noise ordinance, Chapter 7.30, sets four noise zones. Zone 1, single-family residential, allows 60 dB from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Zone 2, multi-family and mixed residential, allows 60 dB day and 55 dB night. Zone 3, commercial, allows 65 dB day and 60 dB night. Zone 4, manufacturing and industrial, allows 70 dB at any hour. The standard applies for more than 30 minutes in any hour; the standard plus 5 dB applies over 15 minutes, plus 10 dB over 5 minutes, plus 15 dB over 1 minute, and plus 20 dB never. Zoning Code Sec. 27.56.090 adds octave-band limits at M1 district boundaries.
Violations & Fines
Noise over the Sec. 7.30.040 standards is unlawful and enforced by the City through citations and abatement, and can breach noise conditions attached to a data center's special use permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in the City of San Mateo?
How do San Mateo city noise limits differ from the County's?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Data Center Noise Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle data center noise limits.