Riverside, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated ordinance
- None
- Zoning code
- Title 19
- Industrial zones
- BMP, I, AI, AIR
- Use determination
- CEDD Director (Ch. 19.060)
- Large projects
- CUP plus CEQA
Summary
The City of Riverside has no dedicated data-center ordinance. Title 19 does not list data centers, so the Community & Economic Development Director sites them in the BMP, General Industrial (I), or Airport (AIR) zones as a use similar to permitted research, warehousing, or manufacturing.
Uses not listed in the Tables or in Section 19.130.025 (Uses Specifically Prohibited) are prohibited unless, the Community & Economic Development Director or his/her designee, pursuant to Chapter 19.060 (Interpretation of Code), determines that the use is similar to and no more detrimental than a listed permitted or conditional use.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 19.130 of the City's Zoning Code governs the Business and Manufacturing Park (BMP), General Industrial (I), Air Industrial (AI), and Airport (AIR) zones. Data centers are not a named use. Under Section 19.130.020, uses not listed are prohibited unless the CEDD Director, pursuant to Chapter 19.060, finds the use similar to and no more detrimental than a listed permitted or conditional use. A server facility is classed with research and development or light manufacturing in the BMP zone, or general manufacturing in the I zone. Larger discretionary proposals require a conditional use permit and CEQA review. This covers the City of Riverside only, separate from unincorporated Riverside County.
Violations & Fines
Building or operating a data center in a non-industrial zone, or without a required conditional use permit, is an unlawful use enforced by the Community & Economic Development Department and Zoning Administrator through permit denial and code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Riverside have a data center ordinance?
Has the City of Riverside banned or paused data centers?
Do these rules apply in unincorporated Riverside County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside 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 Riverside County handle data center zoning & siting.