Dallas R-5(A) Single Family District Setback Requirements
In the R-5(A) Single Family District in Dallas, all development must adhere to a minimum front yard setback of 20 feet. For primary single-family residential structures, the City of Dallas requires a minimum 5-foot setback for both side and rear yards, while all other permitted non-residential structures must maintain 10-foot side and rear setbacks [Sec. 51A-4.112(g)(4)]. These standards are designed to provide a reasonable level of light, air, and living amenities for moderate-density residential developments [Sec. 51A-4.112(g)(1)].
R-5(A) District Setback Standards
The following table outlines the specific yard requirements for the R-5(A) Single Family District as established by the Dallas Development Code:
| Setback Type | Requirement for Single Family Structures | Requirement for Other Permitted Structures |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Front Yard | 20 Feet | 20 Feet |
| Minimum Side Yard | 5 Feet | 10 Feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard | 5 Feet | 10 Feet |
[Source: Sec. 51A-4.112(g)(4)]
Front Yard Regulations
In the R-5(A) Single Family District, the front yard setback is measured from the front lot line of the building site or the required right-of-way as determined by the Dallas thoroughfare plan [Sec. 51A-4.401(a)(2)]. These yards must remain generally open and unobstructed, with specific exceptions for certain architectural features and fencing [Sec. 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
If a blockface in the City of Dallas is divided between two or more zoning districts, the R-5(A) Single Family District front yard must comply with the requirements of the district in the blockface that has the greatest front yard requirement [Sec. 51A-4.401(a)(6)].
Side and Rear Yard Regulations
The side yard setback in the R-5(A) Single Family District is measured from the side lot line of the building site [Sec. 51A-4.402(a)(2)]. While the standard side and rear setbacks for a single-family home are 5 feet, the Dallas Development Code allows for certain equipment, such as a unitary air conditioning unit, to be located within a required side yard, provided it is at least three feet from the property line [Sec. 51A-4.402(a)(4)].
For accessory structures in a residential district, a person does not need to provide a side yard setback if the structure does not exceed 15 feet in height and is located within the rear 30 percent of the lot [Sec. 51A-4.402(b)(3)]. Similarly, no rear yard setback is required for such accessory structures in the R-5(A) Single Family District unless the rear yard is adjacent to an alley, in which case a three-foot setback is mandatory [Sec. 51A-4.403(b)(2)].
Authorized Setback Encroachments
The City of Dallas permits certain ordinary projections to extend into the required yards of the R-5(A) Single Family District. These include:
- Architectural Features: Window sills, belt courses, and cornices may project up to 12 inches into any required yard [Sec. 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
- Chimneys: A fireplace chimney may project up to two feet into any required front, side, or rear yard, provided the area of projection does not exceed 12 square feet [Sec. 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
- Roof Eaves and Balconies: Cantilevered roof eaves and balconies may project up to five feet into a required front or rear yard [Sec. 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
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.
- Sec. 51A-4.410. SCHEDULE OF YARD, LOT, AND SPACE REGULATIONS.