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Santa Barbara, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Dedicated ordinance
None
Zones
M-C, M-I manufacturing
Use classification
Director assigns closest match
Design review
Architectural Board of Review
Coastal zone
Title 28 permit required

Summary

The City of Santa Barbara has no data-center ordinance and no data center use classification. A server facility is assigned by the Planning Director to the closest listed use - Industry, Limited or Research and Development - in the M-C and M-I manufacturing zones.

In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character. Use classifications and subclassifications not listed in the table, or not found to be substantially similar to the uses below, are prohibited.

Source: Santa Barbara Municipal Code Title 30 (Zoning—Inland) & Chapter 9.16 (Noise)View official code

Full Breakdown

Title 30 (Zoning. Inland) Chapter 30.30 governs the City's two manufacturing zones, M-C and M-I. Table 30.30.020 lists no data center. Section 30.30.020 directs the Director to assign an undefined use to the substantially similar classification and prohibits anything not listed or similar. Industry, Limited and Research and Development are allowed uses in both M-C and M-I; Industry, General is allowed only in M-I. Nonresidential exteriors are referred to the Architectural Board of Review under SBMC Chapter 22.68. Sites inside the coastal zone fall under Title 28 and need a Coastal Development Permit. Chapter 30.180 performance standards apply.

Violations & Fines

Operating a data center in a zone where the use is not listed or substantially similar is prohibited under Section 30.30.020 and enforced by Community Development through permit denial, stop-work orders, and abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can a data center be built in the City of Santa Barbara?
In the M-C and M-I manufacturing zones under Title 30, Chapter 30.30. Table 30.30.020 lists no data center, so the Planning Director assigns it to the closest listed classification.
Does the City of Santa Barbara have a data center ordinance?
No. The City has adopted no data-center ordinance and no data center use classification. Residents who want tailored standards can raise it with the Planning Commission or City Council: https://santabarbaraca.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-division
Does a Santa Barbara data center need design review?
Yes. Nonresidential exterior construction is referred to the Architectural Board of Review under SBMC Chapter 22.68. A project inside the coastal zone also needs a Coastal Development Permit under Title 28.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Barbara

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsData Center Noise LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions

All Santa Barbara rules

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