The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Nevada County
Anti-Data Center Policies
Nevada County’s RA and R1 residential districts list no industrial uses, which may block new or expanded data centers if treated as industrial; this does not cover the whole county or specifically address existing facilities.
current law · Unincorporated areasDoes not specifically regulate data centers; it requires a Development Permit for research-and-development activities in BP, M1, and M2 industrial districts.Nevada County Code, Title 12 — Land Use and Development Code
What this means
In the RA and R1 residential districts, the table lists “Industrial Uses” as none, creating a significant barrier to building or expanding a data center if it is treated as an industrial use (“Industrial Uses — None Listed”). The measure covers these districts, not all of Nevada County, and does not specifically address existing data center operations.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements8
In the BP (Business Park) District, site development outside an adopted Area Plan requires Planning Commission approval of a Comprehensive Master Plan for the entire site before development may occur. approval of a Comprehensive Master Plan for the entire site
Before a BP Comprehensive Master Plan is submitted, interim uses may be allowed only if they do not preclude the intended development, do not require a permanent foundation or permanent infrastructure, and comply with time limits established by the land-use permit. interim uses that do not preclude development
BP minor improvements are limited to remodeling that does not intensify the land use and building additions no greater than 10% of the existing gross floor area on a single building site. building additions that do not exceed ten percent
Industrial uses, including light-industrial research and development, manufacturing, processing, distribution, and warehousing, require a Development Permit in BP, M1, and M2 districts. Light industrial including research and development
The industrial districts impose minimum site-development dimensions: BP requires 150 feet of road frontage and a 1.5-acre minimum parcel; M1 and M2 require 15,000-square-foot minimum parcels. Minimum Road Frontage
Industrial district setbacks and landscaping requirements limit the buildable area: BP generally requires 10-foot front and exterior setbacks where the right-of-way is at least 50 feet wide, 35-foot setbacks where it is narrower, and 30-foot interior and rear setbacks; significant landscaping is required in the front setback. Significant landscaping shall be incorporated into this setback
Maximum impervious-surface coverage is limited to 60% in BP and 85% in M1 and M2 districts, restricting the amount of a site that may be covered by buildings, pavement, and other impervious improvements. Maximum Impervious Surface
Industrial development is subject to a 45-foot building-height limit. Building Height Limit
Sources
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