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

Few Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Dedicated Ordinance: None; general industrial zoning
Primary District: Industrial (M), Ch. 21.60
M District Status: Industrial use, by right
Max Height: 75 ft (Sec. 21.60.040)
Environmental: CEQA on discretionary approvals

Summary

Stanislaus County has no dedicated data center ordinance. In unincorporated areas a data center is an industrial use, allowed by right in the Industrial (M) district under Zoning Ordinance Section 21.60.020, subject to building permits and CEQA. Modesto, Turlock, and Ceres set their own zoning.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All industrial uses except those specified in Section 21.60.030.

Source: Stanislaus County Code, Title 21 Zoning Ordinance & Chapter 10.46 (Noise Control)View official code

Full Breakdown

Unincorporated Stanislaus County regulates data centers only through its general Zoning Ordinance (Title 21), not a data-center chapter. A server or computing facility is an industrial use, permitted by right in the Industrial (M) district, which allows all industrial uses except the heavy, noxious operations listed in Section 21.60.030 (rendering, refining, explosives, smelting). Buildings may rise to 75 feet under Section 21.60.040. Data centers are also contemplated in the Light Industrial (LI) district serving the West Patterson area, which permits computer server assembly, software development, and computer systems research by right. Planned Industrial (PI, Chapter 21.42) sites need a development plan. Discretionary approvals such as a rezone or use permit trigger CEQA review.

Violations & Fines

Building or expanding a data center in unincorporated Stanislaus County without required building permits, a use permit where the Industrial (M) standards demand one, or CEQA clearance stalls approval and draws county code enforcement until the project conforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can a data center be built in Stanislaus County?

In unincorporated areas it belongs in an industrial district, mainly the Industrial (M) district, where a data center is allowed by right as an industrial use under Section 21.60.020, subject to building permits and CEQA.

Does Stanislaus County have data center rules, and how can I weigh in?

No, Stanislaus County has no dedicated data-center ordinance; facilities are governed by general industrial zoning, CEQA, and the county noise ordinance. To push for one, contact the Board of Supervisors at stancounty.com/bos.

Does county zoning apply inside Modesto, Turlock, or Ceres?

No. The county Zoning Ordinance governs only unincorporated Stanislaus County. Incorporated cities like Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, and Oakdale adopt and enforce their own zoning within their limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stanislaus County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Data Center Noise LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Stanislaus County rules

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Data Center Zoning & Siting in Cities Across Stanislaus County

Modesto, CA