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San Mateo, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Dedicated ordinance
None
Zones
M1 manufacturing; E1, E2 office
Classification
Zoning Administrator, other compatible uses
Discretionary path
Special use permit, Chapter 27.74
Environmental review
CEQA on discretionary permits

Summary

The City of San Mateo has no data-center ordinance and no data-center use category. Data centers land in M1 manufacturing or E1/E2 executive office districts, permitted as a compatible use determined by the Zoning Administrator.

The Manufacturing District is intended to create and maintain light manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution facilities where air emissions, noise generation, and hazardous materials handling are limited.

Source: San Mateo City Charter and Municipal Code, Title 27 (Zoning) & Chapter 7.30 (Noise)View official code

Full Breakdown

San Mateo's Zoning Code, Title 27, names no data-center use. Chapter 27.56 governs M1 manufacturing districts, which the code limits to light manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution where air emissions, noise, and hazardous materials handling are limited. Section 27.56.010(h) admits other compatible uses as determined by the Zoning Administrator, and 27.56.020(e) allows other compatible uses by special use permit under Chapter 27.74. A data center is classified through that route. A special use permit is discretionary and triggers CEQA review and a Planning Commission hearing. Executive office districts E1 and E2 are the alternative sites. San Mateo County, by contrast, has almost no comparable industrial zoning.

Violations & Fines

Operating a data center outside a district where the Zoning Administrator has classified it, or without a required special use permit, is a Title 27 violation enforced through code enforcement, permit revocation, and abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can a data center be built in the City of San Mateo?
In M1 manufacturing districts under Chapter 27.56, or in the E1 and E2 executive office districts. The code lists no data-center use, so the Zoning Administrator classifies each project.
Does the City of San Mateo require a special permit for a data center?
It depends on classification. Section 27.56.010(h) can admit it as a permitted compatible use. Section 27.56.020(e) routes other compatible uses to a discretionary special use permit with CEQA review.
Who do I contact about data-center rules in San Mateo?
The City of San Mateo Planning Division and the Planning Commission. There is no data-center ordinance, so residents wanting siting standards should raise it there or at City Council. See cityofsanmateo.org/939/Planning.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Mateo

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsData Center Noise LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesFew Restrictions

All San Mateo rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo 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 Mateo County handle data center zoning & siting.

Daly City, CA
Some Restrictions