Bakersfield, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated Ordinance
- None; general industrial zoning
- Zones
- M-1, M-2, M-3 manufacturing
- Unlisted Use Permit
- Conditional use permit
- Governing Section
- Zoning Title 17, 17.64.020.B
- Environmental
- CEQA review applies
Summary
Bakersfield has no dedicated data center ordinance. A data center is an industrial use sited in the M-1, M-2, or M-3 manufacturing zones under Municipal Code Title 17. Because servers are not a named use, an unlisted use needs a conditional use permit and CEQA review.
Any use specified below, provided such use does not produce, cause or emit any fumes, odor, dust, smoke, gas, noise or vibration detrimentally impacting neighboring properties and the occupants thereof.
Full Breakdown
Bakersfield regulates data centers through its general Zoning Ordinance (Title 17), not a data-center chapter. A computing or server facility is not a named use, so the Planning Division treats it as an analogous industrial use in the M-1 Light Manufacturing (Ch. 17.28), M-2 General Manufacturing (Ch. 17.30), or M-3 Heavy Industrial (Ch. 17.31) zone. In the M-1 zone, listed uses are permitted only if they emit no fumes, odor, dust, smoke, gas, noise, or vibration detrimentally impacting neighbors (Section 17.28.020.B). Any use not expressly listed needs a conditional use permit under Section 17.64.020.B, a discretionary Planning Commission approval triggering CEQA. Unlike Kern County's Director plot plan review, Bakersfield routes unlisted industrial uses through the Planning Commission.
Violations & Fines
Building or expanding a data center outside an industrial zone, or without a required conditional use permit and CEQA clearance, is an unlawful use: the Community Development Department can deny building permits until the project conforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a data center be built in Bakersfield?
Does Bakersfield have a data center ordinance, and how can I weigh in?
Does city zoning differ from Kern County's?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Bakersfield to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
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