Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

New Braunfels, TX Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

General cap (>100 ft from residential)
85 dB(A) at all times
Near residential, daytime
85 dB(A), 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Near residential, nighttime
75 dB(A) after 10 p.m.
Measurement point
Nearest public right-of-way
First-offense fine
Up to $100 plus costs

Summary

Data centers in New Braunfels must stay under 85 dB(A), or 75 dB(A) at night near homes, under the city's nonresidential noise cap.

Decibel limits for all other types of non-residential properties. 1. If the property is not located within 100 feet of a residential district, the maximum permissible decibel level for any type of sound emitted from that property is: Up to 85 decibels at all times. 2. If the property is located within 100 feet of a residential district, the maximum permissible decibel level for any type of sound emitted from that property is: A. Up to 85 decibels between 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. B. Up to 75 decibels at all other times.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 36).

Full Breakdown

New Braunfels has no ordinance written specifically for data centers, so a data center's cooling equipment, generators and HVAC plant fall under the citywide nonresidential noise cap in Sec. 82-9. If the site sits more than 100 feet from a residential district, sound can run up to 85 dB(A) at all times. Within 100 feet of a residential district, the cap is 85 dB(A) from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and drops to 75 dB(A) overnight. The police department measures compliance at the nearest public right-of-way with a calibrated ANSI-standard sound meter, taking the highest reading over a 30-second sample.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor: up to $100 first offense, $250 second, $350 third, $500 fourth and later; each day is a separate violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a data-center-specific noise rule in New Braunfels?
No. Data centers are covered by the general nonresidential noise ordinance in Sec. 82-9, the same standard applied to other commercial and industrial uses.
Can a data center get relief from the noise cap?
Yes. The city manager or a designee may grant a variance for undue hardship, such as short-duration sound sources with no reasonable alternative.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in New Braunfels

All New Braunfels rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare New Braunfels to another location·View the Texas data centers & crypto mining overview

Get notified when Data Center Noise Limits in New Braunfels, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.