Data centers originated from the large computer rooms of the 1950s. In the 1980s, companies began creating server rooms to centrally store networking equipment. These grew into larger facilities in the early 2000s, with a notable growth after 2020.
Learn more about Data centers in Hayward through our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there currently data centers in Hayward?
Yes, the following centers are operational or under construction. In addition, there are two telecommunication facilities in Hayward that are listed as data centers, but do not operate like newer data centers.
Amazon Data Center SF09
Status: Currently operating
Notice of Decision
Capacity: Unknown MW capacity
Additional Information: On July 9, 2010, the City approved an Administrative Use Permit PL-2010-0124 to establish a six-phase data center for Amazon Web Services at the site and a 115 kV substation was installed in 2013.
Amazon Data Center SF011
Status: Currently operating
Notice of Decision
35 MW estimated capacity
Additional Information: On February 20, 2015, the City approved Administrative Use Permit PL-2014-0520 to operate a data center for Amazon Web Services.
Hayward Exchange @ 92
Status: Under construction, partially operational
Staff Report & Environmental Review Documents
Capacity: 49 MW estimated capacity
Additional Information: On February 11, 2021, the Planning Commission approved Major Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit Application 201906718 for an industrial campus with a data center and three speculative industrial buildings for Hines. No appeals of the Planning Commission’s decision were received.
STACK SVY03A
Status: Under construction
Staff Report & Environmental Review Documents
Capacity: 76.6 MW estimated capacity
Additional Information: On May 22, 2025, the Planning Commission approved Major Site Plan Review and Administrative Use Permit Application SPR-23-0036 for a data center campus for STACK Infrastructure. No appeals of the Planning Commission’s decision were received.
What is the City’s process for reviewing data centers applications?
Due to the evolution of the data center industry and increased community enquiry, the Hayward City Council amended the Hayward Municipal Code in April of 2026 to create a specific data center category and require that any new data center application be subject to Major Conditional Use Permit approval, which requires a public hearing with the City Council. In addition, all properties within 300 feet of the project site receive a mailed notice when an application is received and a mailed notice of when there is a public meeting.
All data centers are subject to an environmental review process per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In addition, Hayward requires that all new applications for data centers include a Sustainability Plan and a Community Benefits Plan.
Previously, data centers were not specifically called out in the City’s code and therefore fell under the umbrella category of “office” use, which is able to be approved administratively. The Planning Commission reviewed the applications at public hearings for the Hayward Exchange @ 92 and Stack SVY03A projects because these facilities had other features that required Major Site Plan Review. For these project, notices were mailed to all properties within 300 feet and materials were posted on the City’s website ahead of the public hearings.
What is an environmental review?
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a state law that requires public agencies to analyze, disclose, and mitigate the environmental impacts of certain development projects to the extent possible before approving them.
Depending on the generating capacity of a data center application, the State or the City may act as the lead agency in preparing the CEQA study. The environmental analysis evaluates and discloses any potential environmental impacts, including impacts on air quality and on local and regional energy and water systems. The analysis also requires that environmental impacts be mitigated to the extent possible as conditions of approval of the project. For example, if the impact on local infrastructure systems is found to be significant, the developer of a new data center may be required to pay for upgrades in infrastructure.
Did the City provide any tax incentives for the development of the Stack data center in Hayward?
No, the City did not provide any tax incentives to locate in Hayward. In fact, the developer provided a $2 million dollar community benefits package and will invest approximately $70 million in frontage and other infrastructure improvements. Further the development was required to pay $98,469.21 in School District Fees and $296,517.18 in Park Impact Fees as conditions of approval of the project.
Has the Stack data center committed to using 100% renewable energy?
Yes, per Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measure GHG-1, the project owner shall participate in PG&E's Regional Renewable Choice Program or Ava Community Energy's Renewable 100 Program (100 percent renewable electricity) or other clean energy program that accomplishes the same goal of 100 percent carbon-free electricity. The owner is required to report on the status of this mitigation measure to the City on an annual basis.
Does the Stack data center have rooftop solar?
Per the applicant, rooftop space for solar panels is limited due to the space required for the necessary rooftop equipment. However, as noted above, the energy utilized at the site will be 100% carbon-free per GHG-1.
How was the community notified about the Stack data center development project?
There were multiple public meetings held between 2023 and 2025 related to the review and approval of The Stack Data Center. Public notice for those meetings was provided in accordance with the Hayward Municipal Code and State Law. Specifically, notice of the November 14, 2023 and the September 27, 2024 Planning Commission Work Sessions and the May 22, 2025 Planning Commission Public Hearing was mailed to all properties and businesses within 300 feet of the project site and published in the Daily Review. In addition, the Draft Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) were posted for public review between March 21, 2025 and April 21, 2025 on the California Energy Commission website and with the Alameda County Clerk Registrar before being considered and certified at the CEC's May 8, 2025 meeting and the May 22, 2025 Planning Commission meeting.
Has the City signed NDAs for data centers?
The City and its officials do not sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) related to development applications, including data centers.
Is the City reviewing applications for new data centers?
At this time, the City does not have any pending applications for a new data center.
