Off-Street Parking Requirements for the MF-1(A) Multifamily District
In the City of Dallas MF-1(A): Multifamily District 1, off-street parking requirements for residential projects are tiered based on the number of units, ranging from zero spaces for small developments to one space per unit for large-scale projects. While traditional commercial retail and office uses are prohibited in the City of Dallas MF-1(A) district, permitted institutional and community service uses must follow specific parking ratios defined by the type of occupancy and square footage.
Residential Parking Requirements in MF-1(A)
The City of Dallas calculates the required number of parking spaces for multifamily developments within the MF-1(A) district based on the total density of the project. Additionally, larger developments must provide dedicated guest parking that is clearly marked and accessible [Section 51A-4.301].
| Development Size or Type | Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Multifamily: 20 units or fewer | None required |
| Multifamily: 21 to 199 units | 0.5 space per dwelling unit |
| Multifamily: 200 units or more | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| Single-Family Living (in R, D, or TH districts) | 1 space per unit |
| Duplex (in D or TH districts) | 1 space per unit |
Guest Parking for Multifamily Projects
Developments in the MF-1(A) district must provide a percentage of the total required parking specifically for guests, based on the following scale [Section 51A-4.301]:
- 20 to 99 total units: 10% of the required parking spaces.
- 100 units or more: 15% of the required parking spaces.
Commercial and Non-Residential Parking in MF-1(A)
Under the City of Dallas zoning code, most commercial and business service uses are not permitted in the MF-1(A) district [Section 51A-4.116]. However, the district allows for specific institutional, utility, and community service uses. If these uses are established—often through a Specific Use Permit (SUP)—they must meet the following parking standards [Section 51A-4.301]:
| Permitted Non-Residential Use | Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Church (20,000 SF or less) | None required |
| Church (Greater than 20,000 SF) | 1 space per 4 fixed seats or 1 space per 28 SF of sanctuary/auditorium area |
| Public or Private School (9th-12th Grade) | 9.5 spaces per classroom |
| College, University, or Seminary | None required |
| Child or Adult Care Facility | None required |
| Short-term Rental Lodging | None required |
| Utility or Public Service Uses | No minimum requirement |
District-Specific Parking Standards
The City of Dallas mandates specific placement and design standards for all parking facilities within the MF-1(A) district to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood:
- Below-Ground Requirement: Except for mechanized parking, all off-street parking in the MF-1(A) district must be provided at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.116].
- Setback Prohibitions: No required or excess parking spaces may be placed within the required front yard of an MF-1(A) development [Section 51A-4.116].
- Handicapped Parking: All projects must provide and maintain handicapped parking in compliance with federal and state laws [Section 51A-4.305].
- Surface Parking Screening: When a parking area serves a non-residential use contiguous to a residential use in the MF-1(A) district, it must be screened by a brick, stone, concrete masonry, stucco, or wood wall/fence at least six feet in height [Section 51A-13.408].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.116. MULTIFAMILY DISTRICTS.
- Section 51A-4.301. OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS.
- Section 51A-4.305. HANDICAPPED PARKING REGULATIONS.
- Section 51A-13.408. SURFACE PARKING SCREENING AND LANDSCAPING.