Data Centers & Crypto Mining in Irving, TX

If you live in Irving or are thinking about moving there, data centers & crypto mining are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Irving has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of data centers & crypto mining, and some of them might surprise you.

Crypto Mining Rules

Irving has no cryptocurrency-specific ordinance. A crypto-mining operation is classified as a 'data center' under the Unified Development Code: a defined principal use allowed only in appropriate nonresidential districts and expressly prohibited in the Heavy Industrial Mixed-Use (HI-MU) district.

Key details: Classification: Regulated as a data center use. Crypto-specific rule: None in Irving code. HI-MU district: Data center principal use prohibited. Governing code: Unified Development Code, Chapter UDC-2. Off-district siting: Needs City Council rezoning.

Operating a data-center/crypto-mining use in a district where it is not permitted, such as a principal-use data center in the HI-MU district, is a zoning violation enforced by Irving Planning and Inspections; correction or removal is required.

Data Center Noise Limits

Irving's noise code singles out standby generators at data centers: they cannot be tested or run for maintenance between 7:00 p.m. and 7:59 a.m., and are expressly excluded from the 85 dBA allowance that covers residential mechanical equipment.

Key details: Governing section: § 22-3(a)(14), Ord. 2024-11013. Generator maintenance/testing barred: 7:00 p.m. to 7:59 a.m.. Data-center generators: Not "residential mechanical devices". Residential HVAC cap, § 22-3(a)(11): 85 dBA. Enforcement: Irving police / code enforcement.

Testing or running a data-center standby generator for maintenance between 7:00 p.m. and 7:59 a.m., or operating one outside manufacturer specifications or without required Inspections Department approval, is a per se violation of the noise chapter.

Data Center Zoning & Siting

In Irving, a data center is a principal use allowed only by Conditional Use Permit, and only in the C-W, ML-20, ML-20a, ML-40, ML-120, or C-P districts. Smaller accessory data centers are permitted in five office and commercial districts.

Key details: Principal use: Allowed only by CUP. Eligible districts: C-W, ML-20/20a/40/120, C-P. Residential setback: 300 feet from residential zoning. Max height: 75 feet (principal use). Max penalty: $2,000 per day.

A person who violates the data center standards is fined, upon conviction, not less than $1.00 nor more than $2,000.00, and each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Irving actively enforces its data center zoning & siting requirements.

The Bottom Line

Irving's data centers & crypto mining rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Irving is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Irving's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.