Clustered Housing (CH) District Regulations in Dallas
The Clustered Housing (CH) district in the City of Dallas is a residential zoning classification designed to facilitate moderate-density developments with a maximum density of 18 dwelling units per net acre. This district is characterized by its flexibility in building placement to accommodate common open space and its requirement that off-street parking be located at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.115].
Purpose and General Character
The primary purpose of the Clustered Housing (CH) district is to provide for the development and protection of moderate-density housing while offering the flexibility necessary to preserve or create common open space [Section 51A-4.115(1)]. A significant aspect of the district's character is the limitation on the scale of attached structures; specifically, no single group of attached dwelling units within the Clustered Housing (CH) district may exceed eight units in number [Section 51A-4.115(8)(B)]. To maintain a residential atmosphere in Dallas, the City requires all off-street parking in this district to be provided at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.115(5)].
Permitted Land Uses
The Clustered Housing (CH) district allows for various residential, institutional, and limited non-residential uses in Dallas.
Residential Uses
- Single family [Section 51A-4.115(2)(I)]
- Duplex [Section 51A-4.115(2)(I)]
- Multifamily [Section 51A-4.115(2)(I)]
- Retirement housing [Section 51A-4.115(2)(I)]
- Group residential facility [Section 51A-4.115(2)(I)]
- Handicapped group dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.115(2)(I)]
Institutional and Community Service Uses
- Child or adult care facility [Section 51A-4.115(2)(D)]
- Church [Section 51A-4.115(2)(D)]
- Foster home [Section 51A-4.115(2)(D)]
- The following require a Specific Use Permit (SUP): Cemetery or mausoleum, college/university/seminary, community service center, convalescent and nursing homes, convent or monastery, hospital, library/art gallery/museum, and public or private schools [Section 51A-4.115(2)(D)].
Other Permitted Uses
- Agricultural: Crop production [Section 51A-4.115(2)(A)].
- Recreation: Public park, playground, or golf course by right; Country club with private membership (subject to Residential Adjacency Review); Private recreation center (by SUP) [Section 51A-4.115(2)(H)].
- Utility: Local utilities (may require SUP or RAR); Tower/antenna for cellular communication [Section 51A-4.115(2)(L)].
- Transportation: Transit passenger shelter; Transit passenger station or transfer center (by SUP) [Section 51A-4.115(2)(K)].
Yard, Lot, and Space Regulations
The City of Dallas enforces specific dimensional requirements for the Clustered Housing (CH) district to ensure consistent moderate-density development.
| Regulation | Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum District Size | 0.5 acres [Section 51A-4.115(8)(A)] |
| Maximum Dwelling Unit Density | 18 units per net acre [Section 51A-4.115(4)(C)] |
| Minimum Lot Size | 2,000 sq. ft. per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.115(4)(G)] |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 feet [Section 51A-4.115(4)(E)] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60% (includes aboveground parking) [Section 51A-4.115(4)(F)] |
| Front Yard Setback | 15 feet if adjacent to expressway/thoroughfare; 0 feet otherwise [Section 51A-4.115(4)(A)] |
| Side and Rear Yard Setback | 10 feet if adjacent to or across an alley from a non-townhouse district; 0 feet otherwise [Section 51A-4.115(4)(B)] |
| Maximum Attached Units | 8 units per group [Section 51A-4.115(8)(B)] |
Height and Proximity Restrictions
While the maximum height is generally 36 feet, any portion of a structure over 26 feet in height must comply with residential proximity slope regulations. This means the structure cannot be located above a slope originating from adjacent residential districts like R, R(A), D, D(A), TH, or TH(A) [Section 51A-4.115(4)(E)].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
In the Clustered Housing (CH) district, parking requirements vary based on the specific residential use type.
| Use Type | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Single-Family | 1 space [Section 51A-4.301 Table 1.0.1] |
| Duplex | 1 space per unit [Section 51A-4.301 Table 1.0.1] |
| Multifamily (≤ 20 units) | None required [Section 51A-4.301 Table 1.0.1] |
| Multifamily (21–199 units) | 0.5 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301 Table 1.0.1] |
| Multifamily (≥ 200 units) | 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301 Table 1.0.1] |
Multifamily guest parking is also required: 10% of required spaces for 20-99 units, and 15% for developments of 100 units or more. All guest parking must be clearly marked and accessible [Section 51A-4.301 Table 1.0.1].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.115
- Section 51A-4.204
- Section 51A-4.209
- Section 51A-4.211
- Section 51A-4.212
- Section 51A-4.213
- Section 51A-4.301
- Section 51A-4.408