Monterey County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated Rule
- None; general industrial use
- Inland Zones
- LI (Ch. 21.26), HI (Ch. 21.28)
- Coastal Zone
- Title 20 plus Coastal Permit
- Approval
- Use Permit plus CEQA review
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Monterey County has no dedicated data-center ordinance. A data center is regulated only as a general industrial use: it belongs in a Light or Heavy Industrial district, needs a discretionary Use Permit, and triggers CEQA review. Coastal-zone sites also need a Coastal Development Permit. County zoning covers unincorporated land only.
The purpose of this Chapter is to provide a district which will assure an environment conducive to the development and protection of modern industry, research institutions and administrative facilities, all well designed and properly landscaped, which are not dependent on pedestrian traffic.
Full Breakdown
There is no data-center-specific law in Monterey County. A server or computing facility is treated as a general industrial use. In the inland area, Title 21 places it in the Light Industrial 'LI' district (Chapter 21.26) or Heavy Industrial 'HI' district (Chapter 21.28); because it is not listed by right, the Housing and Community Development Department requires a discretionary Use Permit, triggering CEQA review. Monterey is a coastal county, so a parcel inside the Coastal Zone instead falls under Title 20, the certified Local Coastal Program, and also needs a Coastal Development Permit under the California Coastal Act. This applies only to unincorporated land; the twelve cities, including Salinas and Monterey, adopt their own zoning.
Violations & Fines
Establishing a data center on land not zoned for industry, or without the required Use Permit and, in the Coastal Zone, a Coastal Development Permit, is a zoning violation. The county can deny permits, issue stop-work orders, and pursue enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a data center be built in unincorporated Monterey County?
Does Monterey County have data center rules, and how can I weigh in?
Do county zoning rules apply inside cities like Salinas or Monterey?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
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