Dallas D(A) Duplex District Zoning Regulations
The D(A) Duplex District in Dallas is a residential zoning classification designed to protect and encourage the development of two-family dwellings. Key requirements for the D(A) Duplex District include a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet, a maximum building height of 36 feet, and specific setbacks that vary between single-family and duplex structures [Section 51A-4.113].
Purpose of the D(A) Duplex District
The primary purpose of the D(A) Duplex District in the Municipality of Dallas is to provide standards that protect and encourage the various types of duplex dwellings existing within the city. Dallas established this district to provide a recognized form of housing with specific minimum area requirements [Section 51A-4.113(1)].
Permitted Main Uses
The Dallas Development Code allows a variety of uses within the D(A) Duplex District, though many non-residential uses require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) or Residential Adjacency Review (RAR).
Residential and Agricultural Uses
- Duplex: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.113(2)(I)].
- Single Family: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.113(2)(I)].
- Handicapped Group Dwelling Unit: Subject to specific regulations [Section 51A-4.113(2)(I)].
- Crop Production: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.113(2)(A)].
Institutional and Community Service Uses
- Church: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.113(2)(D)].
- Public Park, Playground, or Golf Course: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.113(2)(H)].
- Cemetery or Mausoleum: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.113(2)(D)].
- College, University, or Seminary: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.113(2)(D)].
- Foster Home: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.113(2)(D)].
- Hospital: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.113(2)(D)].
- Public or Private School: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.113(2)(D)].
Utility and Transportation Uses
- Transit Passenger Shelter: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.113(2)(K)].
- Electrical Substation: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.113(2)(L)].
- Local Utilities: May require SUP or RAR [Section 51A-4.113(2)(L)].
- Police or Fire Station: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.113(2)(L)].
Yard, Lot, and Space Regulations
The general character of the D(A) Duplex District is defined by its dimensional requirements. These standards ensure uniform spacing and density within Dallas neighborhoods.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Front Yard | 25 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard (Single Family) | 5 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard (Duplex) | 5 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard (Other Uses) | 10 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard (Single Family) | 5 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard (Duplex) | 10 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard (Other Uses) | 10 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Residential) | 60% |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Non-residential) | 25% |
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 square feet |
[Source: Section 51A-4.113(4)]
Development Standards and General Character
Building Limitations
In the D(A) Duplex District, Dallas regulations specify that only one main building may be placed on a single building site [Section 51A-4.113(4)(E)(i)]. Furthermore, the district does not have a set maximum dwelling unit density or a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) [Section 51A-4.113(4)(C)-(D)].
Parking Requirements
Off-street parking in the D(A) Duplex District must be provided at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.113(5)]. The minimum parking requirements are summarized below:
- Duplex: 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1].
- Single-Family: 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1].
Electrical and Utility Services
For duplex uses in this Dallas district, a single lot may be supplied by no more than one electrical utility service and metered by no more than two electrical meters. The board of adjustment may grant a special exception for additional services if it is determined not to be contrary to the public interest or harmful to neighboring properties [Section 51A-4.113(4)(B)].
Residential Proximity Slope
Buildings in the D(A) Duplex District act as a "site of origination" for the residential proximity slope. This means that a 1 to 3 slope (an 18.4° angle) projects infinitely from the district boundary, potentially restricting the height of tall buildings in adjacent, more intensive zones in Dallas [Section 51A-4.412].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.113. DUPLEX [D(A)] DISTRICT.
- Section 51A-4.301. OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS.
- Section 51A-4.412. RESIDENTIAL PROXIMITY SLOPE.