What causes DatabricksServerlessUnavailableError?

The Serverless SQL warehouse is disabled or the workspace has not been enrolled in the Serverless preview. The workspace-level serverless compute budget is exhausted. The http_path in the dbt profile points to a non-existent or deleted Serverless warehouse. The service principal lacks CREATE or USE permission on Serverless warehouses

How do I fix DatabricksServerlessUnavailableError?

Step 1: Verify the Serverless warehouse exists in the Databricks SQL Warehouses UI and is in Running or Idle state.. Step 2: Confirm the http_path in the dbt profile matches the HTTP Path shown in the warehouse Connection Details.. Step 3: If Serverless is not available in the workspace, switch to a Pro or Classic warehouse as a fallback.. Step 4: Check workspace-level compute quota and request an increase if serverless capacity is exhausted.. Step 5: Run dbt debug to validate the warehouse connection from the dbt profile configuration.

High severityresource

Power BI Refresh Error:
DatabricksServerlessUnavailableError

What does this error mean?

The dbt-databricks adapter cannot connect because the configured Serverless SQL warehouse is unavailable, over capacity, or the workspace does not have Serverless compute enabled.

Common causes

1The Serverless SQL warehouse is disabled or the workspace has not been enrolled in the Serverless preview
2The workspace-level serverless compute budget is exhausted
3The http_path in the dbt profile points to a non-existent or deleted Serverless warehouse
4The service principal lacks CREATE or USE permission on Serverless warehouses

How to fix it

1Step 1: Verify the Serverless warehouse exists in the Databricks SQL Warehouses UI and is in Running or Idle state.
2Step 2: Confirm the http_path in the dbt profile matches the HTTP Path shown in the warehouse Connection Details.
3Step 3: If Serverless is not available in the workspace, switch to a Pro or Classic warehouse as a fallback.
4Step 4: Check workspace-level compute quota and request an increase if serverless capacity is exhausted.
5Step 5: Run dbt debug to validate the warehouse connection from the dbt profile configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Do Databricks Serverless SQL warehouses auto-start like Pro or Classic warehouses?

Yes — Serverless warehouses start on demand and typically become available in under 5 seconds. If a Serverless warehouse is unavailable, it usually indicates a configuration or quota issue rather than a cold-start delay.

How do I switch my dbt-databricks profile from Serverless to a Classic warehouse?

Update the http_path in your dbt profiles.yml to the HTTP Path of the Classic or Pro warehouse. Run dbt debug to confirm connectivity before running production jobs.