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Dallas R-5(A) Single Family District Zoning Regulations

Jurisdiction: DallasCode Version: March 2025

The R-5(A) Single Family District in Dallas is established to provide residential areas for single-family dwellings on lots with a minimum size of 5,000 square feet. This district maintains a moderate residential density by strictly prohibiting most commercial, office, and retail activities while requiring a 20-foot minimum front yard setback and a 30-foot maximum structure height [Section 51A-4.112(g)].

Allowed Main Uses in the Dallas R-5(A) Single Family District

The Dallas Development Code classifies main uses within the R-5(A) Single Family District into specific categories, identifying those allowed by right, those requiring a Specific Use Permit (SUP), and those requiring Residential Adjacency Review (RAR).

Residential and Agricultural Uses

  • Single Family: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(I)].
  • Handicapped Group Dwelling Unit: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(I)].
  • Crop Production: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(A)].

Institutional and Community Service Uses

  • Church: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].
  • Child or Adult Care Facility: Permitted under the specific provisions of Section 51A-4.204(3).
  • Cemetery or Mausoleum: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].
  • College, University, or Seminary: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].
  • Community Service Center: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].
  • Convent or Monastery: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].
  • Foster Home: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].
  • Hospital: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].
  • Library, Art Gallery, or Museum: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].
  • Public or Private School: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(D)].

Recreation and Transportation Uses

  • Public Park, Playground, or Golf Course: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(H)].
  • Country Club with Private Membership: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(H)].
  • Private Recreation Center, Club, or Area: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(H)].
  • Transit Passenger Shelter: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(K)].
  • Private Street or Alley: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(K)].
  • Transit Passenger Station or Transfer Center: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(K)].

Utility and Industrial Uses

  • Gas Drilling and Production: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(C)].
  • Temporary Concrete or Asphalt Batching Plant: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(C)].
  • Electrical Substation: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(L)].
  • Police or Fire Station: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(L)].
  • Radio, Television, or Microwave Tower: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(L)].
  • Sanitary Landfill: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(L)].
  • Sewage Treatment Plant: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(L)].
  • Water Treatment Plant: Permitted by SUP only [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(L)].

Prohibited Main Uses in the Dallas R-5(A) Single Family District

The following categories of use are expressly prohibited within the R-5(A) Single Family District in Dallas to preserve the residential integrity of the area:

  • Commercial and Business Service Uses: None permitted [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(B)].
  • Lodging Uses: None permitted [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(E)].
  • Office Uses: None permitted [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(G)].
  • Retail and Personal Service Uses: None permitted [Section 51A-4.112(g)(2)(J)].

Accessory Use Restrictions

In the Dallas R-5(A) Single Family District, accessory uses are generally permitted if they are customarily incidental to the main use. However, specific accessory uses are either restricted or prohibited [Section 51A-4.112(g)(3)]:

  • Prohibited Accessory Uses: Accessory helistops, medical/infectious waste incinerators, outside display of merchandise, outside sales, and pathological waste incinerators are not permitted.
  • SUP Required: An accessory community center (private) requires an SUP.

Development and Space Regulations

Technical development standards for the R-5(A) Single Family District in Dallas ensure consistent building placement and neighborhood character.

Yard, Lot, and Height Standards

Regulation Standard for Single-Family Structures Standard 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
Maximum Building Height 30 Feet 30 Feet
Maximum Lot Coverage 45% 25%
Minimum Lot Size 5,000 Square Feet N/A
Maximum Stories No Maximum No Maximum

[Section 51A-4.112(g)(4); Section 51A-4.410]

Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements

Use Category Parking Requirement in R-5(A)
Single-Family Living 1 Space per dwelling unit
Church 1 space per 4 fixed seats (if > 20,000 sq. ft.)
Public or Private School 9.5 spaces per classroom (9th-12th grade)

[Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1]

Sections Cited

  • Section 51A-4.112. Single Family Districts
  • Section 51A-4.204. Institutional and Community Service Uses
  • Section 51A-4.209. Residential Uses
  • Section 51A-4.211. Transportation Uses
  • Section 51A-4.212. Utility and Public Service Uses
  • Section 51A-4.213. Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Uses
  • Section 51A-4.301. Off-Street Parking Regulations
  • Section 51A-4.410. Schedule of Yard, Lot, and Space Regulations

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Dallas R-5(A) Single Family District Zoning Regulations | Dallas Zoning Guide