Davis, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated ordinance
- None
- Zones
- I and I-R industrial districts
- By-right
- I district research/storage use
- Peripheral land
- Measure J/R/D citywide vote
- Review
- Article 40.24 performance standards
Summary
Davis names no data-center use. A data center fits the Industrial (I) district by right as a research, laboratory, or storage use, or the Industrial Administration and Research (I-R) district by planning commission determination, both under Article 40.24 performance standards.
The principal permitted uses of land in an I district are as follows:
(a) Any manufacturing, processing, assembling, research and development, laboratory, wholesale or storage uses that complies with performance standards of Article 40.24.
(b) Railroad yards and freight stations, and trucking and motor freight stations, and public utility substations and service yards.
(c) Agriculture, except the raising of animals or fowl for commercial purposes, or the sale of any products at retail on the premises.
(d) Sex oriented entertainment businesses, subject to the requirements of Section 40.26.410.
(e) Emergency shelter with thirty-five or fewer beds, subject to performance standards in Section 40.24.120. (Ord. 296 § 20.2; Ord. 1377 § 5; Ord. 1735 § 3; Ord. 2413 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2572 § 17, 2020)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4915048; v22 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
Davis Municipal Code Chapter 40 lists no "data center" or "computer operations" use. Section 40.20.020(a) permits any manufacturing, processing, assembling, research and development, laboratory, wholesale, or storage use in the Industrial (I) district that complies with Article 40.24 performance standards. In the Industrial Administration and Research (I-R) district, Section 40.19.020(g) lets the planning commission admit any research or light manufacturing use of the same general character, and Section 40.19.070 requires enclosed buildings plus site plan and architectural approval by the director. A data center on peripheral agricultural, open space, or urban reserve land triggers Chapter 41, the Measure J/R/D right-to-vote ordinance, requiring council approval, CEQA compliance, and a citywide majority vote.
Violations & Fines
Operating a data center outside the I or I-R districts, or exceeding the Article 40.24 performance standards, is a zoning violation the city abates through code enforcement, permit revocation, and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a data center be built in Davis, CA?
Does Davis require a public vote for a data center?
Does Davis have a data-center ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davis
California rules heatmap·Compare Davis to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.