Permitted Districts for Single-Family Residential Development in Dallas
The City of Dallas permits single-family residential homes as a primary main use in all residential zoning districts, including Agricultural, Single Family, Duplex, Townhouse, Clustered Housing, and Multifamily classifications. Additionally, the Dallas Development Code allows single-family dwellings by right in Central Area and Mixed Use districts, as well as in all specific Walkable Urban "Form" districts. While widely permitted, the City of Dallas imposes varying lot size and setback requirements depending on the specific district's density goals, ranging from one-acre minimums in estate districts to 3,500 square feet in transition zones [Section 51A-4.112; Section 51A-13.304].
Primary Residential Districts
In the City of Dallas, the Single Family districts [R(A) series] are the most common zones for standalone homes. However, the Dallas Development Code also permits single-family living as a main use in more dense residential zones.
Agricultural and Single Family [R(A)] Districts
The Agricultural [A(A)] district is intended for areas where urban services are not yet available, requiring a minimum of three acres for residential use [Section 51A-4.111]. The R(A) series provides for a gradient of density as follows:
| District Name | Municipality | Minimum Lot Area | Minimum Front Yard | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural [A(A)] | City of Dallas | 3 Acres | 50 Feet | 24 Feet |
| Single Family [R-1ac(A)] | City of Dallas | 1 Acre | 40 Feet | 36 Feet |
| Single Family [R-1/2ac(A)] | City of Dallas | 0.5 Acre | 40 Feet | 36 Feet |
| Single Family [R-16(A)] | City of Dallas | 16,000 Sq. Ft. | 35 Feet | 30 Feet |
| Single Family [R-13(A)] | City of Dallas | 13,000 Sq. Ft. | 30 Feet | 30 Feet |
| Single Family [R-10(A)] | City of Dallas | 10,000 Sq. Ft. | 30 Feet | 30 Feet |
| Single Family [R-7.5(A)] | City of Dallas | 7,500 Sq. Ft. | 30 Feet | 30 Feet |
| Single Family [R-5(A)] | City of Dallas | 5,000 Sq. Ft. | 20 Feet | 30 Feet |
Higher-Density Residential Zones
The Dallas Development Code permits single-family homes in districts primarily intended for attached housing or manufactured homes [Section 51A-4.101]:
- Duplex [D(A)] District: Specifically permits single-family homes as a main use [Section 51A-4.113].
- Townhouse [TH-1(A), TH-2(A), TH-3(A)] Districts: These districts include single-family living to protect and encourage residential character [Section 51A-4.114].
- Clustered Housing (CH) District: Intended for moderate-density housing with common open space [Section 51A-4.115].
- Multifamily [MF-1(A), MF-2(A), MF-3(A), MF-4(A)] Districts: Despite being intended for apartments, these zones permit single-family homes by right [Section 51A-4.116].
- Manufactured Home [MH(A)] District: Permits traditional single-family dwellings [Section 51A-4.117].
Nonresidential and Mixed Use Districts
The Dallas Development Code allows single-family residential development in several districts typically associated with business or high-density urban activity.
- Central Area Districts [CA-1(A), CA-2(A)]: These districts permit single-family homes to encourage appropriate future land use in the city's core [Section 51A-4.124].
- Mixed Use Districts [MU-1(A), MU-2(A), MU-3(A)]: All standard mixed-use and affordable mixed-use sub-districts permit single-family homes [Section 51A-4.125].
- General Office [GO(A)] District: Single-family uses are allowed as a "restricted component" of a building, meaning they may occupy up to five percent of the total floor area [Section 51A-4.121].
Walkable Urban "Form" Districts
Article XIII of the Dallas Development Code establishes specialized "Form" districts designed to create walkable neighborhoods. The Single-Family House is a recognized development type in these areas [Section 51A-13.304].
| Form District | Municipality | Lot Area (Min) | Front Setback (Min) | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Transition (RTN) | City of Dallas | 3,500 Sq. Ft. | 15 Feet | 2.5 Stories / 35' |
| Walkable Urban Residential (WR) | City of Dallas | 3,500 Sq. Ft. | 15 Feet | District Dependent |
| Walkable Urban Mixed Use (WMU) | City of Dallas | 3,500 Sq. Ft. | 15 Feet | District Dependent |
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Dallas requires dedicated off-street parking for single-family uses. In most residential districts, the standard is one space per unit.
| Use Category | District Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Living | R(A), D(A), and TH(A) Districts | 1 Space Per Unit |
| Single-Family Living | RTN District | 1.5 Spaces Per Unit |
| Single-Family Living | All Other Districts | None Required |
[Section 51A-4.301; Section 51A-13.402]
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-4.101. New zoning districts established.
- Sec. 51A-4.111. Agricultural [A(A)] District.
- Sec. 51A-4.112. Single family districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.113. Duplex [D(A)] district.
- Sec. 51A-4.114. Townhouse districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.115. Clustered housing (CH) district.
- Sec. 51A-4.116. Multifamily districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.117. Manufactured home [MH(A)] district.
- Sec. 51A-4.121. Office districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.124. Central area districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.125. Mixed use districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.301. Off-street parking regulations.
- Sec. 51A-13.304. Development types.
- Sec. 51A-13.402. Required parking.