Los Angeles, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning definition
- None in LAMC yet
- Reviewed as
- Industrial / utility use
- Where sited
- Manufacturing (M) zones
- Permit
- By-right; CEQA if discretionary
- Pending
- Council File 26-0262
Summary
The City of Los Angeles has no zoning-code definition for data centers. They are reviewed under existing industrial, utility, or other use categories and locate by-right in the City's manufacturing (M) zones. Discretionary projects trigger CEQA review.
The Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) does not currently include a clear, stand-alone definition for 'data centers' within the Zoning Code. As a result, such facilities may be reviewed under a range of industrial, utility, or other use categories, leading to ambiguity in permitting, inconsistent treatment across zoning classifications, and limited clarity regarding operational standards.
Full Breakdown
The Los Angeles Municipal Code contains no stand-alone 'data center' use in its Zoning Code, so a data center is permitted under whichever existing category fits, an industrial or utility use in the City's manufacturing zones (M1, M2, M3, MR1, MR2, and CM). Ministerial industrial projects can proceed by-right with standard building and electrical permits; discretionary entitlements trigger California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. Council File 26-0262, introduced February 24, 2026, directs City Planning to write a data-center definition and assign use classifications, but no ordinance has been adopted. This governs City land only, LA County sets separate rules for unincorporated areas.
Violations & Fines
Building a data center on non-industrial land, or without the required building, electrical, and (for discretionary projects) CEQA approvals, blocks permits and draws enforcement from the Department of Building and Safety and City Planning, including stop-work orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can data centers be built in the City of Los Angeles?
Does the City of Los Angeles have a data center ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
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Data Center Zoning & Siting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle data center zoning & siting.