MF-2(SAH) Affordable Multifamily District Setback Requirements in Dallas
In the MF-2(SAH) district of Dallas, the mandatory minimum front yard setback for all structures is 15 feet. For multifamily developments and other permitted structures (excluding single-family and duplexes), the city requires a minimum side yard of 10 feet and a minimum rear yard of 15 feet. The rear yard requirement for these structures may be reduced to 10 feet if the building site backs onto specific non-residential or higher-intensity districts, such as retail, office, or industrial zones.
General Yard and Setback Regulations
The Dallas Development Code establishes specific yard, lot, and space regulations for the MF-2(SAH) Multifamily district 2 affordable district to protect the residential character of the neighborhood while allowing for increased density. These regulations are primarily governed by Section 51A-4.116, but in the event of a conflict with general city regulations, the specific standards for the MF-2(SAH) district control [Section 51A-4.116(b)(4)].
Minimum Setback Requirements
Setbacks in the MF-2(SAH) district vary based on the type of structure being developed on the building site. While multifamily projects are the primary use, the district also allows for single-family and duplex structures, which have reduced or no setback requirements in certain instances.
| Setback Type | Structure Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | All permitted structures | 15 feet |
| Side Yard | Single-family living | No minimum |
| Side Yard | Duplex | 5 feet |
| Side Yard | Other (Multifamily, etc.) | 10 feet |
| Rear Yard | Single-family living | No minimum |
| Rear Yard | Duplex | 10 feet |
| Rear Yard | Other (Multifamily, etc.) | 15 feet* |
*Note: A reduced rear yard of 10 feet is permitted if the MF-2(SAH) building site backs upon an MF, MF(A), O-1, O-2, NO, NO(A), LO, LO(A), MO, MO(A), GO, GO(A), NS, NS(A), SC, CR, RR, GR, LC, HC, CS, CA-1, CA-2, I-1, I-2, I-3, LI, IR, IM, mixed use, or multiple commercial district [Section 51A-4.116(b)(4)(B)(v)].
Height and Residential Proximity Slope Constraints
In Dallas, the placement of structures in the MF-2(SAH) district may be further restricted by the Residential Proximity Slope (RPS). If any portion of a structure in the MF-2(SAH) district exceeds 26 feet in height, that portion may not be located above a proximity slope originating from certain lower-density residential districts, including R, R(A), D, D(A), TH, or TH(A) [Section 51A-4.116(b)(4)(E)(i)].
Additional Placement Provisions
- Parking Placement: In the MF-2(SAH) district, no required or excess parking may be located within the required 15-foot front yard [Section 51A-4.116(b)(4)(F)(iii)].
- Structure Spacing: To ensure adequate light and air, Dallas requires a minimum of 10 feet between exterior walls of multifamily dwellings if only one wall has an opening for light and air, and 20 feet if both walls have such openings [Section 51A-4.116(b)(4)(E)(ii)].
- Single-Family Spacing: When multiple single-family structures are built in the MF-2(SAH) district, a minimum of 15 feet must be provided between each group of eight single-family structures [Section 51A-4.116(b)(8)(A)].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.116. MULTIFAMILY DISTRICTS.
- Section 51A-4.200. Use Regulations.
- Section 51A-4.400. Yard, Lot, and Space Regulations.