Dallas R-13(A) Single Family District Setback Regulations
In the Dallas R-13(A) Single Family District, primary single-family structures must adhere to a minimum front yard setback of 30 feet and a minimum side and rear yard setback of 10 feet. For other permitted non-residential structures within the R-13(A) district, the City of Dallas requires a minimum side yard of 15 feet and a minimum rear yard of 20 feet.
Overview of the R-13(A) District
The R-13(A) district (Single family district 13,000 square feet) is a residential classification in the City of Dallas intended to conserve the character and value of intermediate-density neighborhoods. It is designed to accommodate single-family dwellings alongside essential community facilities like schools, churches, and public parks [Section 51A-4.112(d)(1)].
Required Yard Setbacks
Setbacks in the Dallas R-13(A) district are governed by the "Yard, lot, and space regulations." These standards ensure adequate light, air, and separation between buildings to maintain the intended residential character of the Municipality.
R-13(A) Setback Minimums
| Yard Type | Single-Family Structure Requirement | Other Permitted Structure Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 30 feet | 30 feet |
| Side Yard | 10 feet | 15 feet |
| Rear Yard | 10 feet | 20 feet |
[Section 51A-4.112(d)(4)]
Supplemental Setback Rules and Exceptions
The Dallas Development Code provides additional guidelines for specific situations that may modify or clarify how setbacks are measured within the R-13(A) district:
Front Yard Projections
Generally, front yards in Dallas must be open and unobstructed. However, the code allows ordinary projections of window sills, belt courses, cornices, and other architectural features to project up to 12 inches into the required front yard. Fireplace chimneys may project up to two feet into the required front yard if the area of projection does not exceed 12 square feet [Section 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
Side Yard Accessory Structures
In a Dallas residential district, a property owner may not need to provide a side yard setback for an accessory structure (such as a generator) if the structure does not exceed 15 feet in height and is located within the rear 30 percent of the lot [Section 51A-4.402(b)(3)].
Rear Yard Alley Setbacks
For structures accessory to a residential use in Dallas that do not exceed 15 feet in height, the rear yard setback is modified based on alley adjacency. If the rear yard is adjacent to an alley, a three-foot setback is required. If the rear yard is not adjacent to an alley, no setback is required for these specific low-profile structures [Section 51A-4.403(b)(2)].
Sections Cited
- SEC. 51A-4.112. SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 51A-4.401. MINIMUM FRONT YARD.
- SEC. 51A-4.402. MINIMUM SIDE YARD.
- SEC. 51A-4.403. MINIMUM REAR YARD.