Noise | Project Mustang

Project Mustang now has a proposed project-specific noise standard and residential setback language in the Employment Center Plan.

Last verified September 5, 2026

What the Current Project Records Show

Proposed EC Plan standard

65 dBA or pre-development baseline

The proposed plan allows noise at an affected residential property line up to the greater of 65 dBA or the measured pre-development baseline, subject to the additional ANSI/ASA provisions in the plan.

Proposed standard

Proposed EC Plan standard

300-foot data-center-building setback

Data Center Buildings are required to maintain a minimum 300-foot setback from residentially zoned property. The wording is specific to data-center buildings and to “residentially zoned property.”

Proposed standard

Proposed EC Plan standard

Substation screening near residential use

Substations, switchyards, transformers and associated electrical infrastructure located within 300 feet of property zoned or used for residential purposes must incorporate enhanced screening to minimize visual impacts.

Proposed standard

Baseline acoustic study required

The proposed standard relies on either 65 dBA or the measured pre-development level, whichever is greater, at an affected residential property line. Planning disclosures require a baseline acoustic study using ANSI standards and a copy provided to the City.

Proposed standard

What the Standard Does Not Yet Resolve

The baseline acoustic study has not yet established the actual pre-development value that could control the proposed limit. The current materials also do not establish separate final nighttime limits, a project-wide low-frequency standard, final tonal-noise controls, or final post-construction monitoring requirements.

The 300-foot language also does not, on its face, establish the same setback for every industrial-energy component. Nearby rural residences may be located on ETJ or otherwise unzoned property, so the distinction between a lawful residence and “residentially zoned property” remains important.

What We Are Still Tracking

Baseline nighttime acoustic measurements.
dBA and dBC / low-frequency measurement requirements.
Octave-band or one-third-octave analysis and tonal treatment.
Final setbacks for generation, substations, transformers and major mechanical equipment.
Commissioning, complaint-triggered testing and ongoing monitoring.

Official proposalBaseline / final controls unresolved

Primary sources: Project Mustang Employment Center Plan Submittal, Kimley-Horn, August 7, 2026, City of Taylor case PZ-2026-2715; and August 18, 2026 Taylor Planning & Zoning hearing disclosures. Proposed figures remain subject to later engineering, permitting and site-plan review. Documents & sources →