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Folsom, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Dedicated ordinance
None
Zones
M-1, M-2, M-L industrial
By-right
Manufacturing / assembly use
Use permit
C-3-classed uses
Discretionary review
CEQA + hearing

Summary

The City of Folsom has no data-center use category and no dedicated ordinance. Data centers locate in the M-1, M-2, and M-L industrial districts, permitted by right as assembly or manufacturing inside an enclosed building, or by Planning Commission use permit if classed as a C-3 use.

The following uses of land and buildings, which shall be permitted only in M-1 and M-2 districts: Assembly and storage of goods, materials, liquids and equipment (except storage of flammable or explosive matter or materials which create dust, odors or fumes).

Source: Folsom Municipal Code, Title 17 Zoning & Chapter 8.42 Noise ControlView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 1369, passed April 28, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Folsom's Zoning Code, Municipal Code Title 17, does not name "data center" as a use. A server or computing building is classified into the nearest industrial category and sited in the M-1 Light Industrial (Ch. 17.28), M-2 General Industrial (Ch. 17.30), or M-L Limited Manufacturing (Ch. 17.32) district. As "assembly - light manufacturing" or manufacturing by electric power inside an enclosed building, it is permitted by right, needing only a ministerial building permit. A use classified under the C-3 heavy-commercial list instead needs a Planning Commission use permit under Chapter 17.60, a discretionary approval triggering CEQA review and a public hearing. Folsom has adopted no data-center moratorium or study.

Violations & Fines

Building or operating a data center outside an industrial district, or without the Planning Commission use permit when the use requires one, is a zoning violation enforced by Community Development through stop-work orders, penalties, and abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can data centers be built in the City of Folsom?
In the M-1, M-2, and M-L industrial districts under Municipal Code Title 17. Folsom has no data-center use category, so Community Development classifies each project into the closest existing industrial use.
Does the City of Folsom require a special permit for a data center?
Not always. As assembly or light manufacturing inside an enclosed building it is permitted by right. A use classed under the C-3 list needs a Planning Commission use permit and CEQA review.
Has the City of Folsom adopted a data-center ordinance or moratorium?
No. Folsom has no dedicated data-center rules; existing industrial zoning and Chapter 8.42 noise limits govern. Residents wanting tailored standards can petition the Planning Commission at folsom.ca.us/government/community-development/planning-services/planning-commission.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Folsom

All Folsom rules

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