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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Dedicated ordinance
None
Zones
I-L and I-H industrial
Permit
Site plan review permit required
Utilities, Major
Conditional use permit in I-L
Environmental
CEQA review applies

Summary

The City of Merced has no data-center ordinance and no "data center" use category. A data center lands in the I-L or I-H industrial districts, where every use and structure requires a discretionary site plan review permit.

Applicability. The following uses and structures require a site plan review permit: 1. All uses as shown in Part 2 (Zoning District Standards), and, 2. All proposed uses and structures within the light industrial (I-L) and heavy industrial (I-H) zoning districts.

Source: Merced Municipal Code Title 20 (Merced City Zoning Ordinance), Chapters 20.12 and 20.68View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 - 1-26).

Full Breakdown

Merced's Zoning Ordinance, Municipal Code Title 20, never names "data center." Development Services classifies a server facility into the closest use in Table 20.12-1: Research and Development, Manufacturing and Processing (Light or General), or Utilities, Major, which covers telephone exchanges and power generation plants. Research, manufacturing, and warehousing carry an SP designation in both I-L and I-H. Utilities, Major requires a conditional use permit in I-L and site plan review in I-H. Section 20.68.050 requires a site plan review permit for all proposed uses and structures in I-L and I-H, and calls that permit a discretionary action, so CEQA review under Section 20.66.060 applies.

Violations & Fines

Building or operating a data center without the required site plan review or conditional use permit is a zoning violation, enforced by City of Merced code enforcement through stop-work orders and abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can a data center be built in the City of Merced?
In the light industrial (I-L) and heavy industrial (I-H) districts under Title 20. There is no data-center use category, so staff classifies the project into the closest use in Table 20.12-1.
Is a data center allowed by right in the City of Merced?
No. Section 20.68.050 requires a site plan review permit for all proposed uses and structures in the I-L and I-H districts. That permit is discretionary and triggers CEQA review.
Who do I ask for data-center standards in Merced?
Merced has adopted no data-center ordinance. Bring the request to the Planning Commission or City Council: https://www.cityofmerced.gov/business-and-development/planning/planning-commission

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Merced

Landscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsData Center Noise LimitsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsBuilding Safety: Plumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding Safety: Electrical PermitsSome Restrictions

All Merced rules

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