San Diego, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated ordinance
- None
- Zones
- IP, IL, IH industrial
- By-right
- Industrial/office use
- CUP
- Communications switching station
- Discretionary review
- CEQA + hearing
Summary
The City of San Diego has no data-center ordinance and no "data center" use category. Data centers locate in the industrial base zones - IP, IL, and IH - permitted by right as an industrial use, or by Conditional Use Permit if classed as a communications switching station.
The purpose of the IL zones is to provide for a wide range of manufacturing and distribution activities. The development standards of this zone are intended to encourage sound industrial development by providing an attractive environment free from adverse impacts associated with some heavy industrial uses. The IL zones are intended to permit a range of uses, including nonindustrial uses in some instances.
(b) The IL zones are differentiated based on the uses allowed as follows:
· IL-1-1 allows primarily light industrial uses
· IL-2-1 allows a mix of light industrial and office uses with limited
commercial
· IL-3-1 allows a mix of light industrial, office, and commercial uses
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
Purpose of the IH (Industrial--Heavy) Zones
(a) The purpose of the IH zones is to provide space for land-intensive industrial activities emphasizing base-sector manufacturing. The IH zones are intended to promote efficient industrial land use with minimal development standards, while providing proper safeguards for adjoining properties and the community
Full Breakdown
San Diego's Land Development Code (Municipal Code Chapter 13) does not name "data center" as a use. A data center is sited in the City's industrial base zones - IP, IL, and IH - and classified into the closest use category in Table 131-06B. A server building operating as an office, research and development, or light-manufacturing use is permitted by right, needing only a ministerial building permit. A facility classified as a "Major Transmission, Relay, or Communications Switching Station" requires a Conditional Use Permit in nearly every industrial zone (permitted by right only in IH-1-1). That permit is discretionary, triggering CEQA review and a public hearing. Unlike San Diego County, the City has adopted no moratorium or study.
Violations & Fines
Building or operating a data center outside an industrial zone, or without the Conditional Use Permit when one is required, is a Land Development Code violation enforced by Development Services and Code Enforcement through stop-work orders, civil penalties, and abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can data centers be built in the City of San Diego?
Does the City of San Diego require a special permit for a data center?
Has the City of San Diego banned or paused data centers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego 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 Diego County handle data center zoning & siting.