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.
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.
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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Sunnyvale, CA
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Sunnyvale, CA
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Sunnyvale, CA
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Sunnyvale, CA
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