Merced County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated Ordinance
- None; general industrial zoning
- Industrial Zones
- B-P, M-1, M-2
- Unlisted Use
- Director classifies (Sec. 18.16.020)
- Front Setback
- 15 ft; 75 ft max height
- Environmental
- CEQA if discretionary
Summary
Merced County has no dedicated data center ordinance. In unincorporated areas a data center is treated as an industrial use, sited in the B-P, M-1, or M-2 industrial zones under the Title 18 Zoning Code, subject to permit review and CEQA. Merced, Los Banos, and Atwater set their own zoning.
Industrial uses not listed below may be reviewed by the director to determine if they are similar to those listed and appropriate in this zone and, if so, what type of permit is required, in compliance with Section 18.04.040.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Merced County regulates data centers only through its general Zoning Code (Title 18, Unified Development Ordinance, Ordinance 1976, effective November 21, 2019), not a data-center chapter. A server or computing facility falls under industrial uses in the B-P Business Park, M-1 Light Manufacturing, or M-2 General Manufacturing zones (Chapter 18.16). Manufacturing plants are permitted by right in M-1 and M-2, but because a data center is not a named use, Section 18.16.020(E) lets the Planning Director classify it as a similar listed use and set the permit path; higher-nuisance or utility-scale projects need a Conditional Use Permit, which triggers CEQA review.
Violations & Fines
Building or expanding a data center in unincorporated Merced County without required permit review, a Conditional Use Permit where the Director requires 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 Merced County?
Does Merced County have data center rules, and how can I weigh in?
Does the county zoning apply inside the City of Merced?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced County
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