El Dorado County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Standard
- GP Noise Element Table 6-2
- Community Day
- 55 dBA Leq (7am-7pm)
- Community Night
- 45 dBA Leq (10pm-7am)
- Rural Night
- 40 dBA Leq
- Measured At
- Receiver property / 100 ft rural
Summary
El Dorado County's General Plan Noise Element (Policy 6.5.1.7, Table 6-2) caps noise from stationary sources at a neighboring home. A data center's cooling and generators must stay at or below 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime hourly Leq in Community areas, and 50/40 dBA in Rural areas.
In Community areas the exterior noise level standard shall be applied to the property line of the receiving property. In Rural Areas the exterior noise level standard shall be applied at a point 100' away from the residence.
Full Breakdown
El Dorado County has no standalone noise ordinance; the General Plan Public Health, Safety, and Noise Element governs non-transportation sources through use-permit and CEQA review. Policy 6.5.1.7 requires new non-transportation noise be mitigated to the Table 6-2 standards, measured at a neighboring noise-sensitive use. In Community Regions the limit is a one-hour Leq of 55 dBA daytime (7 a.m.-7 p.m.), 50 dBA evening, and 45 dBA at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.); Rural Regions are 50/45/40 dBA. The standard applies at the receiving property line in Community areas, or 100 feet from a rural residence, and drops 5 dBA for pure-tone or impulsive noise. A data center's chillers and generator testing are reviewed against these limits.
Violations & Fines
Cooling or generator noise exceeding the Table 6-2 limits at a neighboring home violates the General Plan noise standards. The county requires mitigation as a permit condition, and unmitigated impacts can be conditioned or denied under CEQA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in unincorporated El Dorado County?
Are data center backup generators regulated for noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Dorado County
California rules heatmap·Compare El Dorado 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.