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

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

Key Facts

Dedicated use
Yes - NAICS 518
Permit level
Permitted by right (industrial)
Zones
BP, IP, IL, IG, IH
Office zones
Ancillary only (OL, OH)
Special standard
Section 5.03.140

Summary

Ontario expressly lists "Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services" as a land use. It is permitted by right in all five industrial zones - BP, IP, IL, IG, and IH - and allowed only ancillary to a permitted use in the OL and OH office zones.

Within the OL and OH zoning districts, data processing, hosting, and related services shall only be allowed in conjunction with a permitted or conditionally permitted land use. Standalone data processing, hosting, and related services shall be prohibited within these zoning districts.

Source: Ontario Development Code Ch. 5.0 (Land Use Matrix) & Municipal Code Ch. 29 (Noise)View official code

Full Breakdown

Ontario's Development Code Land Use Matrix (Table 5.02-1) classifies data centers under NAICS 518, "Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services." The use carries a "P" - permitted by right - in the BP, IP, IL, IG, and IH industrial zones, so a standalone data center needs only a ministerial building permit there, not a Conditional Use Permit. Section 5.03.140 limits the use to ancillary status in the OL and OH office zones and prohibits it standalone. Projects near LA/Ontario International Airport also meet the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan overlay. The City has adopted no moratorium.

Violations & Fines

Operating a data center outside the permitted industrial zones, or standalone in an OL or OH office zone, is a Development Code violation enforced by Ontario Code Enforcement through stop-work orders, penalties, and abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can data centers be built in Ontario, CA?
In the BP, IP, IL, IG, and IH industrial zones, where the Development Code permits "Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services" by right. In OL and OH office zones the use is allowed only ancillary to another permitted use.
Does Ontario require a special permit for a data center?
Not in the industrial zones. Because the use is permitted by right there, a standalone data center needs only a ministerial building permit - no Conditional Use Permit or discretionary CEQA hearing.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ontario

Data Center Noise LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Flood ZonesSignificant Restrictions

All Ontario rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario 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 San Bernardino County handle data center zoning & siting.

Victorville, CA
Some Restrictions
San Bernardino, CA
Few Restrictions
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Few Restrictions
Rialto, CA
Few Restrictions
Fontana, CA
Significant Restrictions