Pasadena's zoning code has no data-center use category. A proposal is classified case-by-case into the closest existing use - Research and Development, Industry, or Communications facilities - and directed to the IG General Industrial zone. On March 11, 2026, a City committee ordered staff to draft dedicated rules.
Pasadena's Title 17 Zoning Code (Table 2-5) names no "data center" use. Principal Planner Martin Potter told the Municipal Services Committee that a submitted project would "have to look at it on an individual basis." Staff would classify it into the nearest listed use - Research and Development, Industry standard, Communications facilities, or Utility - and site it in the IG (Industrial, General) zone. A Utility, major use needs a Conditional Use Permit; R&D, Industry, and Communications facilities are permitted with a Code Compliance Certificate. Discretionary permits trigger CEQA. On March 11, 2026, the committee directed staff to develop dedicated data-center zoning before applications arrive.
Building or operating a data center outside the IG industrial zone, or without a required Conditional Use Permit for a major utility use, is a Zoning Code violation enforced by Planning through stop-work orders and abatement.
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See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle data center zoning & siting.
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