Sunnyvale, CA Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)
Key Facts
- Dedicated ordinance
- None
- Districts
- M-S, M-3 industrial
- By-right
- Office/R&D or light mfg to 35% FAR
- Use Permit
- Above 35% FAR or public utility
- Discretionary review
- CEQA + Planning Commission
Summary
Sunnyvale has no "data center" use category. A data center locates in the M-S and M-3 industrial districts, classified as an office/R&D or light-manufacturing use - permitted by right up to 35% floor-area ratio, or by Use Permit above it.
The M-S industrial and service zoning district is reserved for the construction, use and occupancy of buildings and facilities for offices, research, limited manufacturing, hotels and motels, restaurants, financial uses, retail sales and services, professional services and other uses compatible with the zoning district.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4856529; v14 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
Sunnyvale's Zoning Code (Title 19) does not name "data center" as a use. Under Table 19.22.030, a data center is classified into the nearest use in the M-S industrial-and-service and M-3 general-industrial districts. As an administrative/research-and-development office or a light-manufacturing, assembly, or treatment facility, it is permitted (P) by right up to 35% floor-area ratio, needing only Chapter 19.80 design review. Above 35% FAR, or if classed as a public utility building, a discretionary Use Permit under Chapter 19.88 is required, triggering CEQA review and a Planning Commission hearing. Unlike Santa Clara County, the City has adopted no moratorium.
Violations & Fines
Operating a data center outside the M-S or M-3 districts, or without a required Use Permit when above 35% FAR, violates Chapter 19.22 and is enforced by Community Development through stop-work orders and abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can data centers be built in Sunnyvale?
Does Sunnyvale require a special permit for a data center?
Has Sunnyvale banned or paused data centers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sunnyvale
California rules heatmap·Compare Sunnyvale 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Data Center Zoning & Siting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle data center zoning & siting.