Carlsbad has no data-center ordinance and no "data center" use. Data centers fall under existing computer and data-processing use categories, permitted by right in the P-M Planned Industrial zone, subject to Minor Site Development Plan approval by the City Planner.
Carlsbad's Zoning Ordinance (Municipal Code Title 21) does not name "data center" as a use. Chapter 21.34 governs the P-M Planned Industrial zone, the city's main tech and biotech district. Table A permits "Data processing service," "Computer systems," "Computer service (time-sharing)," and "Research and testing facilities" by right ("P"). A data center is classified into the nearest of these and permitted without a conditional use permit. Every P-M project first needs a Minor Site Development Plan approved by the City Planner under Chapter 21.06 - an administrative discretionary review. Unlike San Diego County, which requires a discretionary Major Use Permit, Carlsbad clears data centers administratively and has adopted no moratorium.
Building or operating a data center outside an industrial zone, or without the required Minor Site Development Plan, is a Title 21 zoning violation enforced by the City through stop-work orders, penalties, and abatement.
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