MF-1(A) Multifamily District 1 Setback Requirements in Dallas
In the City of Dallas, the MF-1(A): Multifamily District 1 requires a standard minimum front yard setback of 15 feet for all structure types. Side and rear setbacks in this district are determined by the specific type of structure, ranging from no minimum for single-family residences to 15 feet for the rear yards of multifamily buildings [Sec. 51A-4.116]. Notably, the multifamily rear yard requirement may be reduced to 10 feet if the building site is adjacent to certain multifamily or nonresidential districts [Sec. 51A-4.116].
Front Yard Setback Requirements
According to the Dallas Development Code, all buildings and structures within the MF-1(A): Multifamily District 1 must maintain a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet [Sec. 51A-4.116]. Generally, these required front yards must remain open and unobstructed, though certain ordinary projections like window sills, belt courses, and cornices may project up to 12 inches into the required space [Sec. 51A-4.401].
Side Yard Setback Requirements
The side yard setbacks for the MF-1(A): Multifamily District 1 in the City of Dallas are tiered based on the use of the structure:
- Single-Family Structures: There is no minimum side yard requirement [Sec. 51A-4.116].
- Duplex Structures: A minimum side yard of 5 feet is required [Sec. 51A-4.116].
- Multifamily and Other Permitted Structures: A minimum side yard of 10 feet must be provided [Sec. 51A-4.116].
Rear Yard Setback Requirements
Rear yard depth in the MF-1(A): Multifamily District 1 depends on structure type and the zoning of the adjacent property:
- Single-Family Structures: There is no minimum rear yard requirement [Sec. 51A-4.116].
- Duplex Structures: A minimum rear yard of 10 feet is required [Sec. 51A-4.116].
- Multifamily and Other Permitted Structures: The standard minimum rear yard is 15 feet [Sec. 51A-4.116].
Rear Yard Reductions
In the City of Dallas, the 15-foot rear yard requirement for multifamily or other permitted structures in the MF-1(A) district may be reduced to 10 feet if the building site backs upon any of the following districts:
- Any Multifamily (MF) or Office district.
- Any Retail, Commercial Service (CS), or Industrial district.
- Any Central Area (CA), Mixed Use, or Multiple Commercial district [Sec. 51A-4.116].
Setback Summary Table for MF-1(A) District
| Structure Type | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | 15 feet | None | None |
| Duplex | 15 feet | 5 feet | 10 feet |
| Multifamily | 15 feet | 10 feet | 15 feet* |
| Other Permitted | 15 feet | 10 feet | 15 feet* |
*May be reduced to 10 feet if backing onto specific multifamily or nonresidential districts [Sec. 51A-4.116].
Residential Proximity Slope
Buildings in the MF-1(A): Multifamily District 1 may also be subject to the Residential Proximity Slope if they are located near certain residential districts. If a structure exceeds 26 feet in height, it cannot penetrate a 1-to-1 (45-degree) slope originating from an R, R(A), D, D(A), TH, or TH(A) district [Sec. 51A-4.412]. This can effectively create an additional setback requirement for the upper portions of a building based on its distance from single-family or duplex properties [Sec. 51A-4.116].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-4.116: Multifamily 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
- Sec. 51A-4.412: Residential Proximity Slope