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Setback Requirements for LO-1: Limited Office District 1 in Dallas

Jurisdiction: DallasCode Version: March 2025

In the City of Dallas, the LO-1: Limited Office District 1 requires a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet for all structures. Side and rear yard setbacks are generally not required unless the property is adjacent to or directly across an alley from a residential district, in which case a minimum 20-foot setback must be maintained.

Standard Yard Regulations for LO-1 Districts

The City of Dallas defines specific yard, lot, and space regulations for the LO-1: Limited Office District 1 to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses. These requirements govern the distance between a structure and its property lines.

Yard Type Minimum Setback Requirement
Front Yard 15 feet
Side Yard 20 feet (if adjacent to or across an alley from a residential district); 0 feet (all other cases)
Rear Yard 20 feet (if adjacent to or across an alley from a residential district); 0 feet (all other cases)

[Section 51A-4.121(b)(4)]

Specific Setback Conditions and Interpretations

Front Yard Requirements

In the LO-1: Limited Office District 1, the 15-foot front yard setback must be open and unobstructed, though certain ordinary projections like window sills, belt courses, and cornices may project up to 12 inches into the required yard [Section 51A-4.401].

Residential Adjacency for Side and Rear Yards

The 20-foot side and rear yard requirements in the City of Dallas apply only when the LO-1: Limited Office District 1 lot is situated:

  • Contiguous to a residential district.
  • Directly across an alley from a residential district.

For the purposes of this regulation, residential districts include R, R(A), D, D(A), TH, TH(A), CH, MF, or MF(A) districts [Section 51A-4.121(b)(4)(B)]. If the property is not adjacent to or across an alley from these specific districts, the Dallas Development Code does not require a minimum side or rear yard.

Additional Setback Factors

  • Urban Form Setback: For any portion of a structure that exceeds 45 feet in height, the City of Dallas requires an additional 20-foot front yard setback [Section 51A-4.121(b)(4)(A)(ii)].
  • Mechanical Equipment: A hedge or low wall at least 30 inches in height must be provided to screen the edge of vehicular use areas or parking structures within the parking setback area [Section 51A-13.601].

Sections Cited

  • Section 51A-4.121. OFFICE DISTRICTS.
  • Section 51A-4.401. MINIMUM FRONT YARD.
  • Section 51A-4.410. SCHEDULE OF YARD, LOT, AND SPACE REGULATIONS.
  • Section 51A-13.601. SITE LIGHTING.

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