Butte County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Chapter 41A Noise Control (codified)
- Non-Urban Limit
- 50 day / 40 night dBA
- Urban Limit
- 55 day / 45 night dBA
- Metric
- Hourly Leq (Sec. 41A-7)
- Acoustical Study
- Required near sensitive uses
Summary
Unlike many rural counties, Butte County has a codified Noise Control Ordinance. Section 41A-7 caps noise at sensitive receptors at 50 dBA Leq daytime and 40 nighttime in non-urban areas (55/45 in urban areas). These limits apply to a data center's chillers, fans, and backup generators.
Applicants proposing a new noise-producing development project near existing or planned noise-sensitive uses shall provide a noise analysis prepared by an acoustical specialist with recommendations for design mitigation.
Full Breakdown
Butte County enforces a codified Noise Control Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 41A), not merely General Plan policy. Section 41A-7 sets exterior standards at noise-sensitive receptors: in non-urban areas 50 dBA Leq daytime, 45 evening, and 40 nighttime; in urban areas 55, 50, and 45 dBA. Maximum instantaneous (Lmax) limits run higher. The General Plan 2030 Health and Safety Element applies these same standards to stationary, non-transportation sources such as a data center's cooling and generator equipment, and Policy HS-P1.8 specifically requires generator noise near homes to be regulated. Policy HS-P1.6 requires an applicant-funded acoustical study for noise-producing projects near sensitive uses. Nighttime runs 10 PM to 7 AM.
Violations & Fines
A data center whose cooling or generator noise exceeds the Section 41A-7 limits at a neighboring receptor violates the Noise Control Ordinance. The county can deny or condition permits, require enclosures, barriers, or setbacks, and pursue abatement until it conforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the noise limit for a data center in Butte County?
Does Butte County have a noise ordinance with decibel limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
California rules heatmap·Compare Butte County to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
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