Dallas Zoning Regulations for Breweries, Distilleries, and Taprooms

In the City of Dallas, microbreweries and micro-distilleries (10,000 square feet or less) are permitted by right in Industrial districts provided they undergo a Residential Adjacency Review (RAR), while larger alcoholic beverage manufacturing facilities are restricted to Industrial and Central Area districts. Most retail and mixed-use districts require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for these operations, and taprooms (classified as bars or lounges) generally require an SUP across all allowed zoning classifications.

Microbreweries and Micro-distilleries (10,000 SF or Less)

The City of Dallas defines a "microbrewery, micro-distillery, or winery" as an establishment for the manufacturing, blending, fermentation, processing, and packaging of alcoholic beverages that takes place wholly inside a building [Sec. 51A-4.210(b)(4)(A)(ii)].

Authorized Zoning Districts

The following table outlines where the City of Dallas allows microbreweries and micro-distilleries:

Permission Type	Authorized Zoning Districts in the City of Dallas
Permitted by Right	LI (Light Industrial), IR (Industrial/Research), and IM (Industrial Manufacturing) districts (RAR required) [Sec. 51A-4.210(b)(4)(B)(ii)].
Specific Use Permit (SUP)	CR (Community Retail), RR (Regional Retail), CS (Commercial Service), Central Area districts, Mixed Use districts, Urban Corridor districts, and Walkable Urban Mixed Use districts [Sec. 51A-4.210(b)(4)(B)(ii)].

Large-Scale Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing (Greater than 10,000 SF)

Establishments exceeding 10,000 square feet are categorized under "Alcoholic beverage manufacturing" within Industrial Uses [Sec. 51A-4.203(b)(0)]. These facilities must conduct all activities (except loading) within a building.

Authorized Zoning Districts

The City of Dallas permits large-scale manufacturing as follows:

Permission Type	Authorized Zoning Districts in the City of Dallas
Permitted by Right	Industrial districts (LI, IR, IM) with a required Residential Adjacency Review (RAR) [Sec. 51A-4.203(b)(0)(B)].
Specific Use Permit (SUP)	Central area districts [Sec. 51A-4.203(b)(0)(B)].

Operational Standards

• Retail Sales: On-site retail sales and tastings are permitted in accordance with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulations [Sec. 51A-4.203(b)(0)(E)(i)].
• Storage: Silos and containers for spent grain are allowed as outdoor storage but must be screened. All other outdoor storage or repair is prohibited [Sec. 51A-4.203(b)(0)(E)(iii)].
• Prohibitions: Drive-through facilities are strictly prohibited for this use [Sec. 51A-4.203(b)(0)(E)(v)].

Taprooms, Bars, and Lounges

If a brewery or distillery functions primarily as a "Bar, lounge, or tavern"—meaning it derives 75 percent or more of its gross revenue from the on-premise sale or service of alcoholic beverages—it must comply with separate regulations [Sec. 51A-4.210(b)(4)(A)(i)].

Authorized Zoning Districts for Taprooms

In the City of Dallas, a bar or lounge use is generally permitted only by Specific Use Permit (SUP) in the following districts:

• Commercial/Retail: CR, RR, and CS districts.
• Office/Residential: GO(A), LO(A), MO(A), and MF-4(A) districts.
• Industrial: LI, IR, and IM districts.
• Mixed Use/Urban: Central Area, MU-1, MU-2, MU-3, MC, UC-2, and UC-3 districts [Sec. 51A-4.210(b)(4)(B)(i)].

Off-Street Parking Requirements

Parking requirements in the City of Dallas vary based on the specific use of the floor area and the presence of special overlays.

Use Component	Dallas Parking Standard
General Manufacturing	1 space per 600 square feet [Sec. 51A-4.301].
Retail Sales/Seating	1 space per 200 square feet [Sec. 51A-4.301].
Storage/Warehouse	1 space per 1,000 square feet [Sec. 51A-4.301].
MD-1 Overlay (Retail)	1 space per 100 square feet for retail sales and seating [Table 1.2.2].

Sections Cited

• Sec. 51A-4.203. Industrial Uses
• Sec. 51A-4.210. Retail and Personal Service Uses
• Sec. 51A-4.301. Off-Street Parking Regulations
• Table 1.2.2. MD-1 Overlay Requirements