Off-Street Parking Standards for the MF-3(A) Multifamily District 3
In the City of Dallas MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3, off-street parking for multifamily residential projects is scaled according to the total number of dwelling units, ranging from zero required spaces for small projects to one space per unit for large-scale developments. Most permitted nonresidential uses in the MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3, including limited retail shops and medical facilities, carry no minimum off-street parking requirement unless the project is situated within a specific environmental or traffic overlay.
Residential Parking Requirements
For residential projects in the MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3, the City of Dallas determines the required number of spaces primarily based on the classification of the use and the scale of the development. While multifamily dwellings have a sliding scale, other residential uses such as single-family homes, duplexes, and group living facilities typically require no off-street parking within this specific district [Sec. 51A-4.301].
Multifamily Use Parking Ratios
The following table outlines the specific requirements for multifamily developments in the MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3:
| Project Size / Component | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| 20 Dwelling Units or Fewer | None |
| 21 to 199 Dwelling Units | 0.5 spaces per dwelling unit |
| 200 Dwelling Units or More | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| Guest Parking (20 - 99 units) | 10% of the total required parking spaces |
| Guest Parking (100+ units) | 15% of the total required parking spaces |
Note: All guest parking in the City of Dallas must be clearly marked and accessible via the driveway entrance or a walking gate [Sec. 51A-4.301].
Other Residential Uses
The City of Dallas provides the following standards for other residential types permitted within the MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3:
- Single-Family & Duplex: No minimum off-street parking is required for these uses when located in the MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3 [Table 1.0.1].
- Group Living (Dormitories, Convents, Foster Homes): No minimum off-street parking is required [Table 1.0.1].
- Residential Hotel: No minimum off-street parking is required [Table 1.0.1].
Commercial and Retail Parking Requirements
The MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3 is primarily a residential zone, and the City of Dallas prohibits most standard commercial and office uses. However, specific "Limited" [L] uses are permitted, provided they are primarily for the service of the occupants of the building and do not exceed 10% of the total floor area [Sec. 51A-4.218].
For these limited commercial projects in the MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3, the City of Dallas generally requires no off-street parking [Table 1.0.2]. This applies to:
- Dry cleaning or laundry stores [Sec. 51A-4.210(11)].
- General merchandise or food stores (3,500 square feet or less) [Sec. 51A-4.210(13)].
- Personal service uses [Sec. 51A-4.210(23)].
Institutional and Community Service Parking
Institutional uses allowed in the MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3 are subject to specific thresholds. While most require no parking, certain high-capacity uses have established ratios.
| Institutional Use | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Church (<= 20,000 SF) | None |
| Church (> 20,000 SF) | 1 space per 4 fixed seats OR 1 space per 28 SF of sanctuary/auditorium area |
| Public/Private School | 9.5 spaces per classroom (9th-12th grades); None for lower grades |
| Hospital | None |
| Child or Adult Care | None |
| Library, Art Gallery, or Museum | None |
[Sec. 51A-4.204]
Parking Reductions and Credits
In the MF-3(A): Multifamily District 3, the City of Dallas allows for the reduction of required off-street parking under specific circumstances:
- Tree Preservation: The number of required spaces may be reduced by one for each protected tree retained on-site that would have otherwise been removed, up to a maximum reduction of 10% [Sec. 51A-4.312].
- Bicycle Parking: For every six short-term or four long-term bicycle parking spaces provided, the required off-street automobile parking may be reduced by one space. This reduction is capped at 5% of the total required spaces [Sec. 51A-4.314].
- Administrative Reduction: The director may grant a reduction of up to 50% if a study proves the parking demand does not warrant the full requirement and the reduction will not create a traffic hazard [Sec. 51A-4.313].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-4.116. MULTIFAMILY DISTRICTS.
- Sec. 51A-4.204. INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE USES.
- Sec. 51A-4.209. RESIDENTIAL USES.
- Sec. 51A-4.210. RETAIL AND PERSONAL SERVICE USES.
- Sec. 51A-4.218. LIMITED USES.
- Sec. 51A-4.301. OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS.
- Sec. 51A-4.312. TREE PRESERVATION PARKING REDUCTION.
- Sec. 51A-4.313. ADMINISTRATIVE PARKING REDUCTION.
- Sec. 51A-4.314. REDUCTIONS FOR PROVIDING BICYCLE PARKING.