D(A) Duplex District Setback Requirements in Dallas
In the City of Dallas, the D(A) Duplex District requires a minimum front yard setback of 25 feet for all buildings and structures. For duplex dwellings specifically, the Dallas development code mandates a minimum side yard setback of five feet and a minimum rear yard setback of 10 feet [Sec. 51A-4.113].
D(A) Duplex District Yard Standards
The following table outlines the specific setback (yard) requirements for different types of structures permitted within the Dallas D(A) Duplex District:
| Setback Type | Structure Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | All Permitted Structures | 25 feet |
| Side Yard | Duplex or Single Family | 5 feet |
| Side Yard | Other Permitted Structures | 10 feet |
| Rear Yard | Single Family | 5 feet |
| Rear Yard | Duplex | 10 feet |
| Rear Yard | Other Permitted Structures | 10 feet |
[Sec. 51A-4.113(4)]
Front Yard Regulations
The 25-foot front yard in the Dallas D(A) Duplex District must generally remain open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky. However, the City of Dallas allows for minor projections of architectural features into this space. For example, window sills, belt courses, and cornices may project up to 12 inches into the required front yard, while a fireplace chimney may project up to two feet [Sec. 51A-4.401].
On corner lots in the D(A) Duplex District where the two street frontages are of equal distance, one frontage is governed by these front yard regulations, while the other is governed by side yard regulations [Sec. 51A-4.401(b)(1)].
Side Yard Regulations
Buildings in the Dallas D(A) Duplex District must adhere to the 5-foot side yard requirement for residential dwellings. For non-residential structures permitted in the D(A) Duplex District, the requirement increases to 10 feet [Sec. 51A-4.113(4)].
If a property owner installs a unitary air conditioning unit within the side yard, it must be located no closer than three feet to the property line [Sec. 51A-4.402(a)(4)]. Similar to front yards, ordinary architectural projections may extend up to 12 inches into the required side yard [Sec. 51A-4.402].
Rear Yard Regulations
Setbacks for the rear of a property in the Dallas D(A) Duplex District vary by use. While a single-family home only requires a 5-foot rear yard, a duplex dwelling must be set back at least 10 feet from the rear property line [Sec. 51A-4.113(4)]. Projections of window sills or other architectural features are permitted to extend 12 inches into this area [Sec. 51A-4.403].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-4.113. DUPLEX [D(A)] DISTRICT.
- Sec. 51A-4.401. MINIMUM FRONT YARD.
- Sec. 51A-4.402. MINIMUM SIDE YARD.
- Sec. 51A-4.403. MINIMUM REAR YARD.
- Sec. 51A-4.410. SCHEDULE OF YARD, LOT, AND SPACE REGULATIONS.