Off-Street Parking Requirements for TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1
In the TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1 in Dallas, residential projects such as single-family and duplex dwellings require a minimum of one off-street parking space per dwelling unit. Commercial and business service uses are strictly prohibited as main uses within this district, and all required off-street parking must be provided at or below ground level.
Residential Parking Standards
The primary purpose of the TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1 is to accommodate single-family and duplex dwellings at higher densities than standard residential districts [Section 51A-4.114]. The Dallas Development Code establishes the following specific parking ratios for residential uses allowed in this district:
| Use Category | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Living | 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.209] |
| Duplex | 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.209] |
| Handicapped Group Dwelling Unit | None [Section 51A-4.209] |
| Retirement Housing | None [Section 51A-4.209] |
Institutional and Civic Parking Standards
While the TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1 is predominantly residential, certain institutional and public service uses are permitted by right or by Specific Use Permit (SUP). These uses must comply with the general parking requirements of the Dallas Development Code [Section 51A-4.301].
| Use Category | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Church | 1 space per 4 fixed seats (where 18" of a bench equals one seat) OR 1 space per 28 square feet of seating area in the sanctuary [Section 51A-4.204] |
| Public or Private School | 9.5 spaces per classroom for 9th through 12th grades; none for lower grades [Section 51A-4.301] |
| Child or Adult Care Facility | None [Section 51A-4.204] |
| Police or Fire Station | None [Section 51A-4.212] |
| Library, Art Gallery, or Museum | None [Section 51A-4.204] |
Commercial Use Restrictions
Under the Dallas Development Code, commercial projects are not permitted as main uses within the TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1. This includes the following categories [Section 51A-4.114]:
- Commercial and Business Service Uses: None permitted.
- Office Uses: None permitted.
- Retail and Personal Service Uses: None permitted.
- Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Uses: None permitted.
Design and Location Standards
The Dallas Development Code imposes strict requirements on the physical placement and design of parking within the TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1 to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood.
Below-Ground Requirement
Except for mechanized parking approved under specific guidelines, all off-street parking in the TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1 must be provided at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.301].
Front Yard Restrictions
In the TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1, all required off-street parking for residential uses must be located behind the required front building line [Section 51A-4.301]. Parking is not permitted within a visibility triangle as defined by the Dallas city manager [Section 51A-4.301].
Maneuvering and Surface Standards
The owner of a duplex or single-family project in the TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1 must ensure the surface of a parking space or driveway consists of an all-weather and drainable material approved by the building official [Section 51A-4.301].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.114: Townhouse [TH-1(A), TH-2(A), and TH-3(A)] 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