Mesquite Prepares for the Future of Digital Infrastructure with New Data Center Standards

New framework provides a clear path for responsible investment while protecting community interests

The City of Mesquite is preparing for the continued growth of digital infrastructure in North Texas with the adoption of new standards for data center development. Approved by the Mesquite City Council on July 20, 2026, Ordinance No. 5259 establishes data centers as a distinct land use and creates a clear framework for considering future facilities in Mesquite.

The new standards position Mesquite to evaluate opportunities associated with this growing industry while addressing the unique characteristics of data center development and protecting community interests.

“Mesquite welcomes investment, but growth has to work for the whole community. We want to be business-friendly, but we also don’t want to wait until an application arrives to decide what responsible development should look like. Adopting these standards is a proactive step that helps us protect our community, support responsible investment and be prepared for the future,” said City Manager Cliff Keheley.

Data centers provide infrastructure supporting cloud computing, artificial intelligence, financial services, enterprise technology and other digital services.

As data center activity continues to expand across the Dallas-Fort Worth region, Mesquite identified a gap in its zoning regulations. Data centers were not previously addressed as a distinct land use, so the City's existing regulations did not specifically address characteristics such as continuous operations, specialized cooling systems, emergency power generation and significant infrastructure demands. The new standards close that gap.

Data centers may be considered in the Industrial zoning district and certain Planned Development districts,
generally through the City’s Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process.

Importantly, the standards do not approve a data center project or rezone any property. Each future proposal
will be evaluated individually through the CUP process, including public notice and hearings before the

Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. The standards establish the rules. The CUP process evaluates the project.

New Standards Adopted

The new framework addresses key aspects of data center development, including:

• Setbacks, landscaping and screening;
• Noise, including low-frequency noise, and vibration;
• Lighting and visual impacts;
• Electrical, water, wastewater and telecommunications capacity;
• Cooling systems and anticipated water consumption;
• Emergency generators, emissions and Battery Energy Storage Systems;
• Traffic, parking and site operations; and
• Long-term decommissioning.

The City may also use independent technical consultants when specialized expertise is needed to evaluate technical studies or other aspects of an application.

Proactive Standards Help Businesses and Residents

“The goal was to make sure that when a data center is proposed, we have the right standards in place to evaluate it. These are complex facilities, and the ordinance gives us a framework to look at the things that matter – compatibility, noise, water, infrastructure, emergency power and the long-term impacts on the surrounding community. It also gives applicants a clear understanding of what will be expected before they bring a project forward,” said Director of Planning and Development Services Adam Bailey.

For developers and site-selection professionals, the standards provide greater predictability regarding where data centers may locate, the information required during the application process and the standards projects must meet. For residents and property owners, the standards provide a consistent process for evaluating future proposals.

Data centers have the potential to generate significant capital investment, quality employment opportunities and additional tax base. Mesquite's new standards are designed to create a clear path for responsible investment while protecting the interests of the community.

The adoption of Ordinance No. 5259 gives Mesquite a defined process for evaluating future data center proposals as the industry continues to expand across North Texas.

For more information about data center development standards in Mesquite, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/ordinance5259

About the City of Mesquite

Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the City of Mesquite offers strategic access to major transportation corridors, available industrial land, a strong workforce and a growing business community.

Mesquite is committed to creating an environment that supports investment, innovation, quality jobs and long-term economic prosperity while maintaining the quality of life that makes the community a great place to live, work and do business.