Off-Street Parking Requirements for the MU-1(SAH) Mixed Use District 1 Affordable
In the MU-1(SAH) Mixed Use District 1 Affordable in the City of Dallas, residential multifamily projects with 20 or fewer units require no off-street parking, while projects exceeding this size require between 0.5 and 1.0 space per dwelling unit. Commercial developments for office use and small-scale retail stores under 3,500 square feet generally have a minimum off-street parking requirement of zero. Larger retail operations and restaurants in the MU-1(SAH) district are subject to specific area-based ratios, though many benefits from exemptions for the first 2,500 square feet of floor area.
Residential Parking Standards in the MU-1(SAH) District
The City of Dallas regulates residential parking in the MU-1(SAH) district primarily based on the number of dwelling units in a project. While small developments are exempt, larger multifamily structures must provide both resident and guest parking. In the MU-1(SAH) district, all guest parking must be clearly marked and situated near a driveway entrance or walking gate [Section 51A-4.301].
| Use Category | Project Size or Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Multifamily | 1 to 20 units | None [Section 51A-4.209(5)(C)] |
| Multifamily | 21 to 199 units | 0.5 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.209(5)(C)] |
| Multifamily | 200+ units | 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.209(5)(C)] |
| Guest Parking | 20 to 99 units | 10% of the total required spaces [Table 1.0.1] |
| Guest Parking | 100+ units | 15% of the total required spaces [Table 1.0.1] |
| Duplex | Per unit | 1 space (if in D or TH components) [Table 1.0.1] |
Commercial and Business Service Parking Standards
Commercial projects in the City of Dallas MU-1(SAH) district benefit from significantly reduced parking mandates compared to other districts. General office uses and many retail categories have a base requirement of zero spaces unless they are located within a specific overlay like the Modified Delta (MD-1) [Section 51A-4.207].
| Use Type | Condition or Size | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Office | General | None [Section 51A-4.207(5)(C)] |
| Retail / Food Store | 3,500 square feet or less | None [Section 51A-4.210(13)(C)] |
| Retail / Food Store | Over 3,500 square feet | None (unless in MD-1 Overlay) [Table 1.0.2] |
| Restaurant | First 2,500 square feet | None [Section 51A-4.210(24)(C)] |
| Restaurant | Over 2,500 square feet | 1 space per 200 square feet [Section 51A-4.210(24)(C)] |
| Medical Clinic | General | None [Section 51A-4.207(4)(C)] |
Parking Reductions and Special Exceptions
The City of Dallas provides several avenues for developers in the MU-1(SAH) district to further reduce their off-street parking obligations through design-based incentives.
Bicycle Parking Reductions
For non-residential and non-retail projects, the City of Dallas allows a reduction in required motorized vehicle parking if bicycle parking is provided. The total reduction cannot exceed five percent of the total required off-street parking for the building site [Section 51A-4.314].
- Short-term spaces: One vehicle space reduction for every six short-term bicycle spaces.
- Long-term spaces: One vehicle space reduction for every four long-term bicycle spaces.
Tree Preservation
The number of required off-street parking spaces may be reduced by one for every protected tree that is retained on the building site rather than being removed. This reduction is capped at 10 percent of the total required parking [Section 51A-4.312].
Administrative Parking Reduction
The director may grant a maximum reduction of 50 percent of the required parking spaces if it is determined that the specific demand for the occupancy does not warrant the full requirement and the reduction will not create a traffic hazard [Section 51A-4.313].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.207 Office Uses
- Section 51A-4.209 Residential Uses
- Section 51A-4.210 Retail and Personal Service Uses
- Section 51A-4.301 Off-Street Parking Regulations
- Section 51A-4.312 Tree Preservation Parking Reduction
- Section 51A-4.313 Administrative Parking Reduction
- Section 51A-4.314 Reductions for Providing Bicycle Parking
- Table 1.0.1 General Parking Requirements
- Table 1.0.2 General Parking Requirements