Off-Street Parking Standards for the Dallas R-16(A) Single Family District
Within the City of Dallas R-16(A) Single Family District, residential developments are required to provide one off-street parking space per dwelling unit, which must be located at or below ground level and behind the established front building line. While traditional commercial, office, and retail projects are prohibited within the R-16(A) district, permitted institutional uses such as large churches and secondary schools must provide parking based on specific seating capacities or classroom counts.
Residential Parking Requirements
In the City of Dallas R-16(A) district, residential occupancy is limited to single-family dwellings and handicapped group dwelling units [Section 51A-4.112(c)(2)]. The City of Dallas requires a minimum of one off-street parking space for each single-family structure in this district.
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Living | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| Handicapped Group Dwelling Unit | None (Not listed in residential requirements table) |
All required parking for residential uses in the R-16(A) district must be provided at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.112(c)(5)]. Additionally, these spaces must be situated behind the required front building line [Section 51A-4.301(a)(4)(F)(ii)].
Institutional and Special Use Parking
The City of Dallas R-16(A) Single Family District strictly prohibits office, retail, and commercial service projects [Section 51A-4.112(c)(2)]. However, certain institutional and community service uses are permitted, some by right and others via a Specific Use Permit (SUP). These "special" projects are subject to the following parking ratios:
| Permitted Non-Residential Use | Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Church (20,000 sq. ft. or less) | None |
| Church (Greater than 20,000 sq. ft.) | 1 space per 4 fixed seats (18" of bench = 1 seat) OR 1 space per 28 sq. ft. of sanctuary/auditorium floor area |
| Public or Private School (9th–12th Grade) | 9.5 spaces per classroom |
| Public or Private School (Below 9th Grade) | None |
| Agricultural Uses (e.g., Crop Production) | None |
| Recreation Uses (e.g., Public Parks) | None |
For any use not explicitly listed in the general parking tables, the City of Dallas does not require a minimum number of off-street parking spaces unless specifically mandated by the terms of an approved SUP [Section 51A-4.301].
Location and Design Regulations
The Dallas Development Code imposes specific placement and design standards for all parking within the R-16(A) Single Family District:
- Vertical Placement: All off-street parking must be provided at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.112(c)(5)].
- Front Yard Restrictions: Parking for residential uses must be located behind the required front building line. It may not extend into the required front yard [Section 51A-4.301(a)(4)(F)(ii)].
- Visibility Triangles: Off-street parking is strictly prohibited within any visibility triangle as defined by the City of Dallas [Section 51A-4.301(a)(4)(C)].
- Electrical Limitation: A lot for a single-family use in this district may not be supplied by more than one electrical utility service or meter without a special exception from the board of adjustment [Section 51A-4.112(c)(8)(A)].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.112: Single Family Districts [R-16(A)]
- Section 51A-4.204: Institutional and Community Service Uses
- Section 51A-4.208: Recreation Uses
- Section 51A-4.209: Residential Uses
- Section 51A-4.301: Off-Street Parking Regulations (Tables 1.0.1 and 1.0.2)