San Jose zoning names "data center" as its own use classification. It is allowed only in the city's industrial districts — CIC, Industrial Park, Light Industrial, and Heavy Industrial — and only with a discretionary Special Use Permit, not by right. CEQA review applies.
Unlike Santa Clara County, the City of San Jose has a specific data-center use in its Zoning Code. Municipal Code Title 20, Chapter 20.50 (Industrial Zoning Districts), Table 20-110 lists "Data center" with an "S" — permitted only upon a Special Use Permit under Chapter 20.100, decided at a Planning Director's Hearing. It applies across the industrial districts: Combined Industrial/Commercial (CIC), Industrial Park (IP), Light Industrial (LI), and Heavy Industrial (HI). Data centers are never allowed by right, and the parcel must carry an industrial General Plan designation. The discretionary permit triggers California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review of noise, air, energy, and water impacts, and large backup-generator projects can route through the California Energy Commission.
Building or operating a data center outside an industrial district, or without an approved Special Use Permit and CEQA clearance, stalls entitlements and draws San Jose Code Enforcement action until the use conforms.
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