Yolo County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated Ordinance
- None; standard industrial zoning
- Use Listed
- Data storage & computer operations
- Zones Allowed
- I-L, OPRD (Site Plan Review)
- Barred From
- Heavy Industrial (I-H)
- Environmental
- CEQA review for large projects
Summary
Yolo County has no dedicated data center ordinance, but its zoning code lists 'data storage and computer operations' as a use. In the unincorporated county, it needs Site Plan Review in the Light Industrial (I-L) or Office Park/Research and Development (OPRD) zones and is barred from Heavy Industrial (I-H).
This Use Type includes the activities that are found in typical office parks including research laboratories; data processing and computer operations; other professional offices; light manufacturing and storage of high technology instruments; and biotechnology.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Supplement 2026 S-21 includes: Local legislation current through Ord. 1584, effective June 25, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Yolo County regulates data centers through its standard Zoning Code (Title 8), not a data-center-specific chapter. Table 8-2.704 classifies 'data storage and computer operations' under the Research and Development and Office use type defined in Sec. 8-2.703(e), and allows it by Site Plan Review, a non-discretionary review, in the Light Industrial (I-L) and Office Park/Research and Development (OPRD) zones. It is not allowed in the Heavy Industrial (I-H) zone. Maximum floor area ratio is 0.5 in I-L and 1.0 in OPRD, which requires at least three acres. Larger projects trigger CEQA review. This page covers unincorporated land only; West Sacramento, a city, hosts data centers under its own zoning, as do Woodland, Davis, and Winters.
Violations & Fines
Building or expanding a data center in unincorporated Yolo County without the required Site Plan Review, in a zone that bars it such as I-H, or without CEQA clearance stalls permits and draws Planning Division enforcement until it conforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a data center be built in unincorporated Yolo County?
Does Yolo County have data center rules, and how can I weigh in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
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