Dexter Study Finds No Ordinance Violation in Response to Noise Concerns

Concerns over noise and odors from the Dextech facility have resurfaced among residents of Preston Circle in the Dexter Crossing subdivision, prompting the City of Dexter to commission a formal noise impact assessment.

In a July 31, 2025, letter to city officials, several Preston Circle homeowners expressed frustration over what they described as ongoing “noise and odors” coming from Dextech, which sits directly west of their neighborhood.

Residents pointed to open bay doors on the north side of the building and asked the city to require them to be closed when not in use.

The issue is not new. City documents note that as far back as 2005, officials acknowledged the need for an “essential barrier between incompatible uses” when homes were approved near the industrial site. An earth berm was installed along portions of the development, but residents argue there is a gap near the city’s water tower property where noise and odors can travel freely toward Preston Circle homes.

In 2024, the city investigated potential violations of its noise ordinance but determined the sound levels did not support enforcement action. However, complaints persisted, leading the city to authorize a detailed acoustical study.

What the Noise Rules Say, What the Tests Found

In its summary to council, city staff noted that Dexter’s Noise Ordinance does not identify or associate specific decibel levels with what is enforceable.

As part of the city’s Noise Impact Assessment, sound monitoring conducted in October 2025 ranged from 45 to 55 dBA at the adjacent Preston Circle property line. The study noted “45-49 dBA is generally considered a ‘quiet range,’ like a quiet office, library, or soft rainfall.” And, “50- 55 dBA is generally considered ‘quiet to moderately quiet.’ It is not harmful to human hearing and is commonly used to describe ambient environmental or residential noise.”

Based on the study performed, staff concluded that the noise generated by the Dextech facility does not exceed ANSI/ASA S12.9-2007/Part 5 (R2020) national standards for determining compatibility of noise level with land uses, and that there is insufficient evidence to support a violation of the city’s ordinance.

Council Comments

Councilmember Joe Semifero said he has struggled with the issue, noting that the industrial use predates many of the homes in Dexter Crossing. He said buyers typically consider what is located behind a property before purchasing and suggested residents were aware, or should have been aware, that an industrial facility operated nearby.

Semifero said he does not believe it is fair to hold a business responsible when it is operating within city guidelines and testing does not show noise levels exceeding applicable standards. He added that homeowners may need to take some responsibility for their location, rather than expecting the city to impose additional burdens on a lawful business.

Councilmember Sanam Aldag questioned whether the homeowners’ association had been approached about possible mitigation steps residents could take themselves.

“There are things that they can also do,” Aldag said, suggesting the HOA could consider options in coordination with homeowners.

Aldag also emphasized that Dextech is an established business that has attempted to respond when concerns have been raised. She said the city has done “a lot of due diligence” by commissioning studies and having conversations with the company, and she does not see a clear solution that would fully satisfy everyone involved.

Mayor Shawn Keough said he would like the city to meet directly with Dextech to discuss the findings, even if no immediate solution is apparent.

“I’m not sure that there’s any solution here,” Keough said, but added that having a conversation with the company would be “a good step.”

Councilmember Ray Tell, who previously worked at Dextech, described how the facility operates, particularly during overnight hours.

Tell said the bay doors have historically been left open, largely for ventilation due to the extreme heat generated inside the plant. He described the manufacturing process as producing significant heat, smoke and repetitive impact noise, with dozens of large machines forming metal parts and operating at high force.

Tell said he has previously raised concerns directly with company leadership.

What Happens Next?

City officials outlined potential options, including constructing a city-installed barrier to reduce conflict without formally assigning blame to a lawful business. However, that approach carries risks, including the use of taxpayer funds to address activity that does not violate ordinance standards and setting a precedent for similar demands elsewhere.

The agenda item was for discussion only. Mayor Keough suggested reaching out to Dextech and the relevant homeowners’ association for further discussion.