Pharr, TX Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Nonresidential limit
- 85 dB(A) at all times
- Measured from
- receiving property's line
- HVAC/AC exception cap
- 85 dBA nonresidential
- Civil penalty
- up to $1,000/day
- Criminal penalty
- Class C misdemeanor
Summary
Pharr caps noise from any nonresidential property, including data centers, at 85 dB(A) at all times, measured at the property line.
it is unlawful for any person to make, assist in making, permit, continue, cause to be made or continued, or permit the continuance of any sound at any location beyond the property lines of the property on which the sound is being generated that when measured as provided in subsection (e) of this article exceeds the applicable dB(A) level listed below for the property on which the sound is received:
(1) Residential property:
a. Eighty dB(A) during daytime hours;
b. Seventy-five dB(A) during nighttime hours.
(2) Nonresidential property: Eighty-five dB(A) at all times.
(d) Any sound that exceeds the dB(A) levels set forth in this article under the conditions and measurement criteria set forth in this article is a violation of this article. Evidence that an activity or sound source produces a sound that exceeds the dB(A) levels specified in this section shall be prima facie evidence of a sound that unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others in violation of this article.
(e) Method of sound measurement. Whenever portions of this article prohibit sound over a certain decibel limit, measurement shall be made with a type 1 or type 2 calibrated sound level meter utilizing the A-weighting scale and the slow meter response as specified by the American National Standards Institute (A.N.S.I. S1.4-1984/85A). Measurements recorded shall be taken so as to provide a proper representation of the sound being
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Pharr has no ordinance written for data centers specifically, so a data center's cooling towers, chillers, and backup generators fall under the city's general noise code. Sound measured from the property line of the property receiving it cannot exceed 85 dB(A) at any time on nonresidential property (compared to 80 dB(A) daytime / 75 dB(A) nighttime for residential property). A separate exception lets HVAC and air-conditioning equipment run up to 85 dBA on nonresidential property without counting as a violation, measured at the nearest exterior wall of a building under separate ownership: the standard a data center's mechanical plant would need to meet.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to $1,000 per day; criminal violation is a Class C misdemeanor, enforced by the city attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pharr have a noise ordinance written specifically for data centers?
Are a data center's air-conditioning and cooling units exempt from the noise limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pharr
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Pharr to another location·View the Texas data centers & crypto mining overview
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Data Center Noise Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hidalgo County handle data center noise limits.