Thousand Oaks, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Muni Code Ch. 21, Sec. 5-21.03
- Ordinance type
- Qualitative nuisance, no dBA table
- Test
- Property-line multi-factor standard
- Night equipment
- Restricted 9pm-7am near homes
- General Plan
- 60 dBA CNEL home threshold
Summary
Thousand Oaks controls data-center noise through its Municipal Code Chapter 21 nuisance ordinance, not a decibel table. Section 5-21.03 bars loud, unnecessary, and unusual noise, judged at the property line by intensity, ambient level, and proximity to homes. Numeric limits come from the General Plan and permit conditions.
it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully make or continue to make or cause to be made or continued, or allow any animal which is kept by that person on the property which is the source of the noise, to make any loud, unnecessary, and unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area. The standard which may be considered in determining whether a violation of the provisions of this section exists may include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) The level of noise when standing on the property line;
(b) Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual for the approved use of the property;
(c) Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural;
(d) The level and intensity of the background or ambient noise, if any;
(e) The proximity of the noise source to residential sleeping facilities;
(f) The nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates;
(g) The density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates;
(h) The time of the day and night the noise occurs;
(i) The duration of the noise;
(j) Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent, or constant; and
(k) Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity. (§ 2, of Ord. 1085-NS, eff. October 2, 1990, as amended by § 1, Ord 1111-NS, eff. July 25, 1991)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Chapter 21 (Sec. 5-21.01 to 5-21.05) is a qualitative noise ordinance with no fixed dBA table. Section 5-21.03 makes it unlawful to make 'loud, unnecessary, and unusual noise' that disturbs a neighborhood; the standards weigh the noise level at the property line, the ambient background, proximity to residential sleeping areas, time of day, and duration. Section 5-21.02 also bars powered equipment audible in residential zones from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Numeric guidance lives in the General Plan Noise Element, which sets 60 dBA CNEL as the exterior compatibility threshold for homes. A data center's cooling and generators are held to these standards through CEQA and permit conditions.
Violations & Fines
Noise that disturbs neighbors or exceeds the property-line and time-of-day limits in Chapter 21 is a code violation, enforced by the City through citations, and, for a permitted data center, breach of its permit's noise conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a data center be in Thousand Oaks?
Does Thousand Oaks have a decibel limit for data centers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
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