Maximum Lot Coverage for Residential Lots in the City of Dallas
In the City of Dallas, the maximum allowed lot coverage for residential structures varies significantly by zoning district, ranging from as low as 10% in Agricultural [A(A)] districts to 100% in Central Area [CA-1(A) and CA-2(A)] districts. Most standard single-family residential districts allow between 40% and 45% coverage, while high-density multifamily districts typically permit up to 60% or 80%. Specifically, for townhouse developments, individual lot coverage can reach 80% provided the overall project stays within a 60% average [Section 51A-4.114].
Definition of Lot Coverage in Dallas
According to the Dallas Development Code, lot coverage is defined as the percentage of the total lot area covered by a roof, floor, or other structure. The City of Dallas excludes specific elements from this calculation, such as roof eaves that do not exceed 24 inches and other ordinary building projections that do not exceed 12 inches [Section 51A-2.102].
Residential District Standards
The following table outlines the maximum lot coverage for residential structures across various residential zoning districts within the City of Dallas.
| Zoning District Category | Specific District(s) | Max Lot Coverage (Residential) |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | A(A) | 10% |
| Single Family | R-1ac(A), R-1/2ac(A), R-16(A) | 40% |
| Single Family | R-13(A), R-10(A), R-7.5(A), R-5(A) | 45% |
| Duplex | D(A) | 60% |
| Townhouse | TH-1(A), TH-2(A), TH-3(A) | 60%* |
| Clustered Housing | CH | 60% |
| Multifamily | MF-1(A), MF-1(SAH), MF-2(A), MF-2(SAH), MF-3(A) | 60% |
| Multifamily | MF-4(A) | 80% |
| Manufactured Home | MH(A) | 20% |
*Note: In Townhouse districts, 80% of an individual lot may be covered by structures if the coverage for the total project does not exceed 60% and at least 40% of the project area is reserved for open space [Section 51A-4.114].
Residential Coverage in Nonresidential and Mixed Use Districts
The City of Dallas also permits residential uses in several nonresidential and mixed-use categories. The lot coverage in these areas is often higher to accommodate urban density.
| Zoning District Category | Specific District(s) | Max Lot Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Central Area | CA-1(A), CA-2(A) | 100% |
| Mixed Use | MU-1, MU-2, MU-3 | 80% |
| Urban Corridor | UC-1, UC-2, UC-3 | 80% |
| Office | NO(A), LO(A), MO(A), GO(A) | 50% to 80%** |
**Note: For office districts like NO(A) and LO(A), the code specifies that aboveground parking structures are included in lot coverage calculations, but surface parking lots and underground structures are typically excluded [Section 51A-4.121].
Additional Regulations and Exclusions
- Parking Structures: In most Multifamily and Townhouse districts, aboveground parking structures must be included in the lot coverage calculation. However, surface parking lots and underground parking structures are not counted toward the maximum coverage limit [Section 51A-4.116].
- Institutional Buildings: In several residential districts, including Single Family and Multifamily, institutional buildings (such as schools or churches) may be permitted a higher coverage of up to 60% [Section 51A-4.407].
- Shared Access Developments: These developments are treated as a single lot for the purpose of determining lot coverage, even if they contain multiple individual dwelling units [Section 51A-4.411].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-2.102. Definitions.
- Sec. 51A-4.111. Agricultural [A(A)] District.
- Sec. 51A-4.112. Single family districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.113. Duplex [D(A)] district.
- Sec. 51A-4.114. Townhouse districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.115. Clustered housing (CH) district.
- Sec. 51A-4.116. Multifamily districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.117. Manufactured home [MH(A)] district.
- Sec. 51A-4.121. Office districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.124. Central area districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.125. Mixed use districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.127. Urban corridor districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.407. Maximum lot coverage.
- Sec. 51A-4.410. Schedule of yard, lot, and space regulations.
- Sec. 51A-4.411. Shared access development.