Yuba City, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Muni Code Chapter 4-17
- Decibel table
- None citywide
- Standard
- "Loud and raucous" nuisance test
- Equipment hours
- 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Penalty
- Infraction, Sec. 4-17.22
Summary
Unlike Sutter County, Yuba City has adopted a noise ordinance: Municipal Code Chapter 4-17. It bans "loud and raucous" noise through a nuisance test rather than a decibel table, and bars generators and heavy equipment before 6:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
The term "loud and raucous noise" shall mean any sound which because of its volume level, duration or character annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of a reasonable person of ordinary sensibility within the limits of the City of Yuba City.
The term "loud and raucous noise" specifically includes, but is not limited to, the kinds of noise generated by the activities enumerated in Section 4-17.10. The term "loud and raucous noise" specifically excludes the kinds of noise generated by the activities described in Section 4-17.20.
For any kind of noise not enumerated in Section 4-17.10, the factors which may be considered in determining whether a violation of the provisions of this section exists may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
(a)The volume of the noise;(b)Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual;(c)Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural;(d)The volume and intensity of the background noise, if any;(e)The proximity of the noise 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 or night the noise occurs;(i)The day of the week the noise occurs;(j)The duration of the noise;(k)Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent, or constant; and(l)Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or non-commercial activity.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 17 of Title 4 was adopted by Ordinance 14-91. Section 4-17.02 makes it unlawful to cause any loud and raucous noise, defined as sound that by volume, duration, or character annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of ordinary sensibility. Section 4-17.10(e)(6) names portable power generators and pumps among equipment barred before 6:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m., which covers data-center backup generator testing. The chapter sets no citywide decibel table. Its only dB figures sit in the Section 4-17.20(k) downtown entertainment exemption, where 70 Ldn or CNEL at the property line is normally acceptable. Continuous cooling noise is judged against the General Plan 60 dBA Ldn exterior standard through CEQA.
Violations & Fines
A Chapter 17 violation is an infraction under Section 4-17.22, fined per Section 1-2.02, and is declared a public nuisance abatable by restraining order or injunction under Section 4-17.30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Yuba City have a noise ordinance with decibel limits?
When can a data center test backup generators in Yuba City?
Who can set stricter data-center noise rules in Yuba City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yuba City
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