Dallas Zoning Guide: R-7.5(A) Single Family District Use Regulations

In the municipality of Dallas, the R-7.5(A) Single Family District is a residential zoning classification designed to facilitate single-family living on lots with a minimum area of 7,500 square feet. While primarily dedicated to detached dwellings, the Dallas Development Code allows for limited agricultural, institutional, and utility uses, many of which require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to ensure compatibility with the surrounding residential neighborhood [Section 51A-4.112].

Allowed Main Uses in the Dallas R-7.5(A) District

The following uses are permitted within the Dallas R-7.5(A) Single Family District, categorized by their level of permission: "By Right" (permitted without additional special approval) and "By SUP" (requiring a Specific Use Permit).

Residential and Housing Uses

Single Family: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112].
Handicapped Group Dwelling Unit: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.209].

Agricultural and Recreation Uses

Crop Production: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112].
Public Park, Playground, or Golf Course: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112].
Country Club with Private Membership: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Private Recreation Center, Club, or Area: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].

Institutional and Community Service Uses

Church: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112].
Child or Adult Care Facility: Permitted by right if operated on property previously used by a religious organization, school, or recreation center; otherwise, permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.204].
Cemetery or Mausoleum: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
College, University, or Seminary: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Community Service Center: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Convent or Monastery: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Foster Home: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Hospital: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Library, Art Gallery, or Museum: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Public or Private School: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].

Utility and Transportation Uses

Transit Passenger Shelter: Permitted by right [Section 51A-4.112].
Electrical Substation: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Local Utilities: May require a Specific Use Permit or Residential Adjacency Review (RAR) depending on the facility [Section 51A-4.112].
Police or Fire Station: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].
Tower/Antenna for Cellular Communication: Permitted by right when attached to an existing structure previously used for non-residential purposes [Section 51A-4.212].
Water Treatment Plant: Permitted only by SUP [Section 51A-4.112].

Prohibited Uses in the Dallas R-7.5(A) District

The Dallas Development Code expressly prohibits certain categories of use in the R-7.5(A) Single Family District to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood.

Commercial and Business Service Uses: None permitted (e.g., catering, custom woodworking, medical laboratories) [Section 51A-4.112].
Lodging Uses: None permitted (e.g., hotels, motels, short-term rentals) [Section 51A-4.112].
Office Uses: None permitted [Section 51A-4.112].
Retail and Personal Service Uses: None permitted (e.g., car washes, furniture stores, restaurants) [Section 51A-4.112].
Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Uses: Generally prohibited, with the exception of specific recycling drop-off containers under limited conditions [Section 51A-4.112].

Accessory Use Restrictions

In the Dallas R-7.5(A) Single Family District, an accessory use is generally permitted if it is customarily incidental to the main use. However, the following specific accessory uses are prohibited:

Accessory Helistop.
Accessory Medical/Infectious Waste Incinerator.
Accessory Outside Display of Merchandise.
Accessory Outside Sales.
Accessory Pathological Waste Incinerator [Section 51A-4.112].

An Accessory Community Center (Private) is permitted in the Dallas R-7.5(A) Single Family District only by Specific Use Permit [Section 51A-4.112].

Yard, Lot, and Space Requirements

The following table outlines the technical development standards for the Dallas R-7.5(A) Single Family District [Section 51A-4.410].

Regulation	Residential Standard	Nonresidential Standard
Min. Front Yard	20 feet	20 feet
Min. Side Yard	5 feet	10 feet
Min. Rear Yard	15 feet	15 feet
Min. Lot Area	7,500 square feet	None
Max. Height	30 feet	30 feet
Max. Lot Coverage	45%	25%
Max. Stories	None	None

Off-Street Parking Requirements

Dallas municipality regulations require off-street parking for all main uses within the R-7.5(A) Single Family District to prevent street congestion [Section 51A-4.301].

Use Category	Required Parking Spaces
Single-Family Living	1 space per dwelling unit
Church	1 space per 28 sq. ft. of seating area (if >20,000 sq. ft.)
Public Park	None required
Utility/Public Service	No minimum required

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-4.212. UTILITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE USES.
Section 51A-4.301. OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS.
Section 51A-4.401. MINIMUM FRONT YARD.
Section 51A-4.402. MINIMUM SIDE YARD.
Section 51A-4.403. MINIMUM REAR YARD.
Section 51A-4.407. MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE.
Section 51A-4.408. MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT.
Section 51A-4.410. SCHEDULE OF YARD, LOT, AND SPACE REGULATIONS.