Permitted and Prohibited Uses in the Dallas TH-2(A) Townhouse District 2
The TH-2(A) Townhouse District 2 in the City of Dallas is a residential designation allowing a maximum density of nine dwelling units per acre and a maximum building height of 36 feet. While the district permits residential types such as single-family dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses, it strictly prohibits all office, lodging, and retail uses to preserve the residential character of Dallas neighborhoods.
Overview of the Dallas TH-2(A) District
The City of Dallas established the TH-2(A) district to provide for medium-density housing. It is recognized as a residential zoning category where standards for lot area, yards, and coverage are specifically tailored to townhouse-style developments [Section 51A-4.114]. The Dallas Development Code ensures that these districts maintain a consistent residential character while allowing for essential community services like schools and parks under regulated conditions.
Main Uses Permitted in the TH-2(A) District
Under the Dallas Development Code, main uses in the TH-2(A) district are categorized as permitted by right, permitted only by Specific Use Permit (SUP), or requiring Residential Adjacency Review (RAR).
Residential and Agricultural Uses
- Permitted by Right: Single-family living; duplex; and handicapped group dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.114(2)].
- Agricultural: Crop production is permitted by right [Section 51A-4.114(2)(A)].
Institutional and Community Service Uses
- Permitted by Right: Church; child or adult care facility (under specific conditions) [Section 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
- Permitted by SUP: Cemetery or mausoleum; college, university, or seminary; community service center; convalescent and nursing homes; hospice care; convent or monastery; foster home; hospital; library, art gallery, or museum; and public or private schools [Section 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Utility and Transportation Uses
- Permitted by Right: Transit passenger shelter; tower/antenna for cellular communication [Section 51A-4.114(2)(K)-(L)].
- Permitted by SUP: Helistop; private street or alley; transit passenger station or transfer center; electrical substation; and police or fire station [Section 51A-4.114(2)(K)-(L)].
Prohibited Uses in the TH-2(A) District
The Municipality of Dallas expressly prohibits several categories of land use within the TH-2(A) district to prevent commercial encroachment:
- Commercial and Business Service Uses: None permitted.
- Lodging Uses: None permitted.
- Office Uses: None permitted.
- Retail and Personal Service Uses: None permitted.
- Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Uses: Generally prohibited, except for minor recycling drop-off containers [Section 51A-4.114(2)].
Technical Development Standards
The Dallas Development Code mandates specific yard, lot, and space requirements for the TH-2(A) district. If a townhouse district in Dallas abuts a more restrictive district, the side yard requirements of that more restrictive district may apply to the abutting side [Section 51A-4.114(4)(B)(v)].
| Standard | Requirement for TH-2(A) |
|---|---|
| Front Yard Setback | No minimum [Section 51A-4.114(4)(A)] |
| Side/Rear Yard (Single Family) | No minimum [Section 51A-4.114(4)(B)(i)] |
| Side Yard (Duplex) | 5 feet [Section 51A-4.114(4)(B)(ii)] |
| Rear Yard (Duplex) | 10 feet [Section 51A-4.114(4)(B)(iii)] |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 feet [Section 51A-4.114(4)(E)] |
| Maximum Dwelling Density | 9 units per net acre [Section 51A-4.114(4)(C)(ii)] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60% (Project-wide) / 80% (Individual lot) [Section 51A-4.114(4)(F)] |
| Minimum Lot Size (Single Family) | 2,000 square feet [Section 51A-4.114(4)(G)(i)] |
| Minimum Lot Size (Duplex) | 6,000 square feet [Section 51A-4.114(4)(G)(i)] |
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Dallas requires off-street parking for residential uses within the TH-2(A) district. All off-street parking in this district must be provided at or below ground level [Section 51A-4.114(5)].
| Use Category | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Living | 1 space per unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
| Duplex | 1 space per unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
| Church | 1 space per 4 fixed seats (if > 20,000 SF) [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
| Community Service Center | None required [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1] |
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.101
- Section 51A-4.114
- Section 51A-4.204
- Section 51A-4.217
- Section 51A-4.301
- Section 51A-4.401
- Section 51A-4.408
- Section 51A-4.412