Dallas City Council Orders Zoning Code Overhaul Mandating Buffer Zones for Commercial Data Centers

DALLAS, TX — The Dallas City Council voted to direct the City Plan Commission to draft comprehensive zoning amendments to the Dallas Development Code (Chapter 51A) establishing strict land-use classifications and environmental standards for commercial data centers.

Preventing Industrial Encroachment in Neighborhoods

The council directive requires all future data center facilities exceeding 10 megawatts to obtain a Specific Use Permit (SUP), requiring mandatory public hearings before the Plan Commission and City Council. The proposed rules mandate 500-foot buffer setbacks from single-family residential zones and establish 65-decibel acoustic noise limits for external HVAC cooling towers.

Council members highlighted that several North Texas neighborhoods have faced unexpected industrial server conversions that disrupt neighborhood tranquility without contributing significant local employment.

Development Stakeholder Input and Economic Modeling

Technology infrastructure trade groups requested that industrial corridors along Interstate 35 and Stemmons Freeway remain streamlined for technology park investments.

Neighborhood associations in West Dallas and Oak Cliff applauded the requirement for mandatory public hearings.

Plan Commission Hearing Schedule

The City Plan Commission will hold public hearings on the draft data center ordinance in October 2026.