R-7.5(A) Single Family District Setback Standards in Dallas
In the R-7.5(A) Single Family District in Dallas, primary residential structures must adhere to a minimum front yard setback of 25 feet. For single-family dwellings, the minimum side and rear yard setbacks are established at five feet, while other permitted non-residential structures require deeper setbacks of 10 feet for sides and 15 feet for the rear [Section 51A-4.112(f)(4)].
R-7.5(A) Setback Requirements Table
The following table outlines the minimum yard requirements for the R-7.5(A) Single Family District in the municipality of Dallas:
| Regulation Type | Single-Family Structures | Other Permitted Structures |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Front Yard | 25 Feet | 25 Feet |
| Minimum Side Yard | 5 Feet | 10 Feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard | 5 Feet | 15 Feet |
[Source: Section 51A-4.112(f)(4) and Section 51A-4.410]
Front Yard Regulations and Exceptions
In the Dallas R-7.5(A) Single Family District, the front yard must generally remain open and unobstructed. However, the Dallas Development Code allows for specific minor encroachments into this area:
- Architectural Projections: Elements such as window sills, belt courses, cornices, and other architectural features may project up to 12 inches into the required front yard [Section 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
- Chimneys: A fireplace chimney may project up to two feet into the required front yard if its area of projection does not exceed 12 square feet [Section 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
- Eaves and Balconies: Cantilevered roof eaves and balconies may project up to five feet into the required front yard [Section 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
- Corner Lots: If a corner lot in the Dallas R-7.5(A) Single Family District has two street frontages of equal distance, one frontage is governed by the 25-foot front yard regulation, while the other is treated as a side yard. If the frontages are unequal, the shorter frontage is governed by the front yard requirements. In all cases, the continuity of the established setback along the street frontage must be maintained [Section 51A-4.401(b)(1)].
Side and Rear Yard Specifics
While the standard side and rear setbacks for a single-family house in this Dallas district are five feet, there are several supplemental rules:
- Ramps: The building official may approve a ramp for handicapped access to a dwelling that encroaches into the side or rear yard, provided it meets accessibility standards and is reviewed for safety [Section 51A-4.402(a)(5) and Section 51A-4.403(a)(4)].
- Air Conditioning Units: A unitary air conditioning unit may be placed within a required side yard in Dallas residential districts, provided it is no closer than three feet to the property line [Section 51A-4.402(a)(4)].
- Accessory Structures: In Dallas residential districts, a person may be exempt from the full side or rear yard setback for certain accessory structures (including generators) if the structure does not exceed 15 feet in height and is located within the rear 30 percent of the lot [Section 51A-4.402(b)(3) and Section 51A-4.403(b)(2)].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.112. SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICTS.
- Section 51A-4.401. MINIMUM FRONT YARD.
- Section 51A-4.402. MINIMUM SIDE YARD.
- Section 51A-4.403. MINIMUM REAR YARD.
- Section 51A-4.410. SCHEDULE OF YARD, LOT, AND SPACE REGULATIONS.