Off-Street Parking Standards for the Dallas TH-2(A) Townhouse District
In the Dallas TH-2(A) Townhouse District, residential developments such as single-family and duplex dwellings must provide at least one off-street parking space per unit. A critical requirement for any project within this district—whether residential or a non-residential use permitted by specific use permit—is that all off-street parking must be located at or below ground level. Furthermore, required parking for residential uses must be situated behind the established front building line [Section 51A-4.114; Section 51A-4.301].
Residential Parking Ratios
The City of Dallas mandates specific parking counts for residential uses permitted within the TH-2(A) Townhouse District. While standard family-oriented dwellings require assigned spaces, certain group-living or specialized residential uses have no minimum off-street parking requirements under the current Dallas Development Code.
| Use Category | Required Off-Street Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Single-family living | 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
| Duplex | 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
| Handicapped group dwelling unit | None [Section 51A-4.209(3.1)(C)] |
| College dormitory, fraternity, or sorority house | None [Section 51A-4.209(1)(C)] |
| Retirement housing (Permitted by SUP) | 0.70 spaces per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
Non-Residential and Commercial Parking Ratios
Commercial and retail activities are generally not permitted by right in the TH-2(A) district but may be allowed through a Specific Use Permit (SUP). In such instances, the following municipal parking standards apply:
| Use Category (Permitted via SUP) | Required Off-Street Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Church | 1 space per 4 fixed seats in the sanctuary (or 1 space per 28 SF of seating area if benches/pews are not used) [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
| Nursery, garden shop, or plant sales | 1 space per 500 SF of floor area, plus 1 space per 2,000 SF of outside sales and display area [Section 51A-4.210(20)(C)] |
| Restaurant without drive-in or drive-through | No parking for the first 2,500 SF; 1 space per 200 SF for floor area exceeding 2,500 SF [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.2] |
| Public or private school | 9.5 spaces per classroom for 9th-12th grades; none for other grades [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
| Animal shelter or clinic | None [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.2] |
Location and Construction Standards
The TH-2(A) district is subject to several design and placement restrictions to ensure neighborhood compatibility and safety within the City of Dallas.
Parking Placement and Height
All off-street parking in the TH-2(A) district must be provided at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.114(5)]. For residential uses, this parking must be located behind the required front building line [Section 51A-4.301(a)(4)(F)(ii)]. Additionally, parking spaces are strictly prohibited from being placed within any visibility triangle [Section 51A-4.301(a)(4)(C)].
Surface Materials
For any duplex or single-family use in the TH-2(A) district, the surface of a parking space, maneuvering area, or driveway must consist of an all-weather and drainable material approved by the building official [Section 51A-4.301(d)(3)].
Handicapped Parking
Handicapped parking for all developments in the City of Dallas, including those in the TH-2(A) district, must be provided and maintained in strict compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations [Section 51A-4.305].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.114. Townhouse Districts.
- 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-4.305. Handicapped Parking Regulations.