Dallas Development Code: Off-Street Parking Standards for the P(A) Parking District
The P(A) Parking District is a special purpose zoning district in the City of Dallas designed specifically to provide off-street parking for a main use. In order to satisfy the Dallas Development Code, a P(A) district must be located either contiguous to the main use or directly across an adjoining street or alley, and it must maintain a 10-foot front yard setback if it abuts residential or agricultural property [Section 51A-4.302].
General Provisions for the P(A) Parking District
The City of Dallas establishes the P(A) Parking District as a special purpose district [Section 51A-4.101]. According to the Dallas Development Code, all off-street parking required for a specific land use must be provided either on the same lot as the main use or within a designated P(A) Parking District [Section 51A-4.301].
The P(A) Parking District serves as a primary location for "surface parking," which the City of Dallas defines as a passenger vehicle parking facility [Section 51A-4.210].
Location and Placement Requirements
The Dallas Development Code strictly regulates where a P(A) Parking District can be established in relation to the commercial or residential project it serves.
| Regulation Category | P(A) District Standard |
|---|---|
| Contiguity | Must be contiguous to or perpendicularly across an adjoining street or alley from the main use [Section 51A-4.302(a)(1)]. |
| Neighboring Districts | Minimum 10-foot front yard is required if contiguous to A, A(A), R, R(A), D, D(A), TH, TH(A), CH, MF, MF(A), MH, or MH(A) districts [Section 51A-4.302(a)(2)]. |
| Surface Parking Setback | A 10-foot front yard must be maintained when surface parking is contiguous to any residential or agricultural district [Section 51A-4.210(26)(E)(iv)]. |
| Structure Restrictions | No structures are permitted on the lot except for signs and required screening [Section 51A-4.210(26)(E)(iii)]. |
Procedures for Establishing a P(A) District
An applicant seeking to establish a P(A) Parking District in the City of Dallas must follow the standard zoning amendment procedure for a change in district classification [Section 51A-4.302(b)]. The application must include a detailed site plan that specifies the following elements:
- The dimensions, bearings, and street frontage of the subject property.
- The exact location of all proposed parking spaces and the specific main use those spaces are intended to serve.
- The designated methods for vehicular ingress and egress.
- Detailed plans for required screening, lighting, and landscaping [Section 51A-4.302(b)].
Prohibited Uses and Restrictions
The Dallas Development Code prohibits certain activities and structures within the P(A) Parking District to ensure it remains dedicated to its primary purpose.
- Commercial Parking Lots: A commercial parking lot or garage (one managed as a standalone business not associated with a specific main use) is not permitted within a P(A) Parking District [Section 51A-4.210(26)(E)(ii)].
- Grade Level: All parking within the P(A) district must be provided at grade level [Section 51A-4.210(26)(E)(i)].
- Special Parking: The board of adjustment is prohibited from authorizing "special parking" (such as packed or remote parking) within a residential district via the P(A) district [Section 51A-4.301(a)(4)(D)].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-2.102
- Sec. 51A-4.101
- Sec. 51A-4.210
- Sec. 51A-4.301
- Sec. 51A-4.302