Murrieta, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated ordinance
- None
- Zones
- BP, GI, GI-A
- Data center listed
- No; unlisted use
- Unlisted use rule
- Director similar-use finding
- Permit path
- Zoning clearance or CUP
Summary
Murrieta has no data-center ordinance and no "data center" use in its Development Code. Under Table 16.12-1 a data center is an unlisted use in the BP, GI, and GI-A business-park and industrial zones, allowed only if the Development Services director finds it substantially similar to a listed use.
The director may determine that a proposed use that is not listed in Article II is allowable if the proposed use is substantially the same in character and intensity as those listed in Article II. Such a use is subject to the permit process that governs the category in which it falls.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-23: A Codification of the General Ordinances of the City of Murrieta, California through Ord. 634-26, passed 7-7-2026).
Full Breakdown
Murrieta's Development Code (Title 16) names no "data center" use. Table 16.12-1 governs the business-park and industrial zones - BP, GI, and GI-A - and lists uses like Research and Development, Warehousing and Distribution, Offices, and Public Safety and Utility Facilities, but not data centers. Section 16.04.020(D) states an unlisted use is not allowed unless the Development Services director determines it is substantially the same in character and intensity as a listed use; it then follows that use's permit path - a zoning clearance for a "Permitted" category or a conditional use permit for a "Conditional" one. A development plan permit under Chapter 16.56 can also be required, and any discretionary approval triggers CEQA review. Murrieta has adopted no moratorium.
Violations & Fines
Building or operating a data center without the director's similar-use determination, or without the zoning clearance or conditional use permit its category requires, is a Development Code violation enforced by Murrieta code enforcement through stop-work orders and abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murrieta
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