Off-Street Parking Standards for the MF-2(SAH) District
In the City of Dallas MF-2(SAH): Multifamily District 2 Affordable, off-street parking requirements for residential projects are scaled based on the total number of units, ranging from zero spaces for small projects to one space per unit for large developments. For the limited nonresidential uses permitted within this district, such as lodging or institutional facilities, the City of Dallas generally requires no off-street parking, provided that all parking within the MF-2(SAH) district is situated at or below ground level [Sec. 51A-4.116].
Residential Parking Requirements
Off-street parking for residential developments in the MF-2(SAH) district is determined by the specific type of use and the number of dwelling units provided in the project [Sec. 51A-4.301].
Multifamily Residential Ratios
The City of Dallas applies a tiered parking requirement for multifamily projects based on the project size:
| Number of Dwelling Units | Parking Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| 20 units or fewer | None |
| 21 to 199 units | 0.5 space per dwelling unit |
| 200 units or more | 1 space per dwelling unit |
Other Residential Use Ratios
For projects in the MF-2(SAH) district that utilize single-family or duplex configurations, the following standards apply:
| Residential Use Type | Parking Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| Single-family (per unit) | 1 space |
| Duplex (per unit) | 1 space |
| College Dormitory | None |
| Group Residential Facility | None |
Guest Parking Mandates
In addition to the base resident parking, the City of Dallas requires dedicated guest parking for multifamily developments in the MF-2(SAH) district [Sec. 51A-4.209]. Guest parking must be clearly marked and accessible to visitors.
| Number of Dwelling Units | Additional Guest Parking Required |
|---|---|
| Fewer than 20 units | None |
| 20 to 99 units | 10% of the required resident spaces |
| 100 units or more | 15% of the required resident spaces |
Nonresidential and Commercial-Style Parking
While standard retail and office uses are prohibited in the MF-2(SAH) district, certain commercial-style lodging and institutional uses are allowed by right or by Specific Use Permit (SUP). The City of Dallas typically requires no off-street parking for these uses in this district [Sec. 51A-4.205].
| Permitted Nonresidential Use | Parking Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| Lodging or Boarding House | None |
| Short-term Rental Lodging | None |
| Child or Adult Care Facility | None |
| Agricultural Uses (Crop Production) | None |
| Church (Sanctuary <= 20,000 SF) | None |
| Church (Sanctuary > 20,000 SF) | 1 space per 4 fixed seats |
Location and Design Restrictions
The City of Dallas imposes strict placement and design rules for any parking provided within the MF-2(SAH) district to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood:
- Ground Level Requirement: All off-street parking in the MF-2(SAH) district must be provided at or below ground level [Sec. 51A-4.116].
- Front Yard Prohibition: No required or excess parking spaces may be placed within the required front yard of an MF-2(SAH) property [Sec. 51A-4.301].
- Placement of Residential Parking: For residential uses, all required parking must be located behind the required front building line [Sec. 51A-4.301].
- Recycling Area Reduction: The total number of required off-street parking spaces may be reduced if necessary to provide adequate area for the placement of recycling containers on the property [Sec. 51A-4.209].
- Tree Preservation Credit: The number of required off-street parking spaces may be reduced by one space for each protected tree retained on the building site, up to a maximum reduction of 10 percent [Sec. 51A-4.312].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-4.116. MULTIFAMILY DISTRICTS.
- Sec. 51A-4.205. LODGING USES.
- Sec. 51A-4.209. RESIDENTIAL USES.
- Sec. 51A-4.301. OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS.
- Sec. 51A-4.312. TREE PRESERVATION PARKING REDUCTION.