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

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

Key Facts

Dedicated use
Yes - "Data Centers"
Standards section
SCCC 18.60.090
Light Industrial
By right or MUP
Office/R&D zones
Conditional Use Permit
Utility
Silicon Valley Power

Summary

Santa Clara names "Data Centers" as a defined land use in its Zoning Code. They are allowed in the office and industrial zones - by right or Minor Use Permit in Light Industrial, and by Conditional Use Permit in office/R&D zones - under the use-specific standards of Section 18.60.090.

Permit Requirements. Data Centers are allowed as specified in Table 2-13 (Office and Industrial Zone Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements).

Source: Santa Clara City Code Title 18 (Zoning) & Chapter 9.10 (Regulation of Noise and Vibration)View official code

Full Breakdown

Unlike Santa Clara County, the City of Santa Clara has a dedicated "Data Centers" use in Title 18. Table 18.16.020 (Office and Industrial Zone Allowed Uses) lists Data Centers across the LO-RD, HO-RD, LI (Light Industrial), and HI (Heavy Industrial) zones. In Light Industrial the use is allowed by right or with a Minor Use Permit; in office and research zones it needs a Conditional Use Permit heard by the Planning Commission, with City Council able to decide appeals and CEQA review attaching to discretionary approvals. Section 18.60.090 sets data-center standards, and the 2025 Zoning Code update lets data-center buildings reach 90 feet. The City's own utility, Silicon Valley Power, supplies electricity, and grid-capacity limits now gate which projects energize.

Violations & Fines

Building or operating a data center outside the office and industrial zones, or without the Use Permit that Section 18.60.090 requires, is a Zoning Code violation the City abates through Code Enforcement with stop-work orders and penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Santa Clara have a data-center zoning category?
Yes. The City Code names "Data Centers" as a defined use in Table 18.16.020, with development standards in Section 18.60.090. This differs from Santa Clara County, which has no data-center classification.
Where can data centers be built in the City of Santa Clara?
In the office and industrial zones. Light Industrial allows them by right or with a Minor Use Permit; office and research zones require a Conditional Use Permit. The 2025 Zoning Code lets these buildings reach 90 feet.
How can I weigh in on a Santa Clara data-center project?
Conditional Use Permits go to the Planning Commission and can be appealed to the City Council. Contact the Planning Division at santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/community-development/planning-division/zoning to comment.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Clara

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsData Center Noise LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy RestrictionsHome Business: Customer Traffic RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Santa Clara rules

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Data Center Zoning & Siting in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Santa Clara County handle data center zoning & siting.

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Mountain View, CA
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San Jose, CA
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Sunnyvale, CA
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