Santa Clara County, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Data-Center Rule
- None defined
- Allowed Districts
- ML and MH industrial
- Approval
- Use Permit + ASA
- Environmental Review
- CEQA required
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Clara County has no data-center zoning classification. A data center is treated as an industrial use, allowed only in the ML (Light Industrial) or MH (Heavy Industrial) districts, and needs a discretionary Use Permit and CEQA review. Most county land is rural or hillside.
The purpose of the Light Industrial district, also known as the ML district, is to provide for certain "heavy" commercial and "light" industrial uses which are generally incompatible with commercial areas but which perform important storage, manufacturing, or servicing functions. The uses permitted in this district are often associated with impacts such as noise and large volumes of truck traffic. The lands in this district should be located near commercial areas, near arterial traffic routes, along railroad lines, and where specialized services for the residents of the county should be grouped. Note that § 2.40.040 applies to this district.E.MH Heavy Industrial. The purpose of the Heavy Industrial district, also known as the MH district, is to provide for essential heavy industrial and commercial uses that are likely to impact the surrounding area. This district should be located so as to minimize adverse effects on adjoining areas. Note that § 2.40.040 applies to this district. (Ord. No. NS-1200.384, § 6, 12-12-23)
Full Breakdown
The Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance contains no data-center or crypto use classification. A large computing facility falls under industrial use classifications such as Manufacturing/Industry or Utilities, which are permitted only in the ML "Light Industrial" and MH "Heavy Industrial" base districts under Chapter 2.40. Those uses generally require a discretionary Use Permit and Architecture and Site Approval (Chapters 5.40 and 5.65), triggering California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. Industrially zoned land in the unincorporated county is limited, most is agricultural, hillside, or rural, so Silicon Valley's large data centers sit in incorporated cities like Santa Clara and San Jose, which set their own rules. This page covers unincorporated county land only.
Violations & Fines
Building a data center outside the ML or MH districts, or without the required Use Permit and CEQA clearance, blocks approvals and draws County code enforcement until the site conforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a data center be built in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
Does county zoning apply to data centers in Santa Clara or San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California data centers & crypto mining overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.