Setback Requirements for MU-2(SAH) Mixed Use Districts in Dallas
In the MU-2(SAH) Mixed Use District 2 Affordable in Dallas, the standard minimum front yard setback is 15 feet, with an additional 20-foot "urban form setback" required for portions of a structure exceeding 45 feet in height [Section 51A-4.125(e)(4)(A)]. Side and rear yard setbacks generally have no minimum requirement unless the MU-2(SAH) property is adjacent to or across an alley from specific residential districts, in which case a 20-foot minimum applies [Section 51A-4.125(e)(4)(B)(i)]. For side and rear yards, portions of the structure above 45 feet must also provide a "tower spacing" setback of one foot for every two feet of additional height, capped at a total of 30 feet [Section 51A-4.125(e)(4)(B)(ii)].
Front Yard Setback Requirements
The City of Dallas requires that all buildings in an MU-2(SAH) district adhere to specific front yard depths to maintain the streetscape. These requirements are divided into base setbacks and adjustments for taller structures.
| Yard Type | Standard Requirement | Height-Based Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15-foot minimum | Additional 20-foot setback for portions above 45 feet in height |
Urban Form Setback: In Dallas MU-2(SAH) districts, any part of a structure that is higher than 45 feet must be set back an additional 20 feet from the front property line [Section 51A-4.125(e)(4)(A)(ii)].
Side and Rear Yard Setback Requirements
Setback requirements for the side and rear of a property in the Dallas MU-2(SAH) Mixed Use District depend largely on the zoning of the neighboring lots.
General Adjacency
If the MU-2(SAH) property is adjacent to non-residential districts or certain high-density districts, there is typically no minimum setback requirement [Section 51A-4.125(e)(4)(B)(i)].
Residential Adjacency
A 20-foot minimum side and rear yard setback is required in the MU-2(SAH) district if the lot is adjacent to or directly across an alley from any of the following Dallas residential districts [Section 51A-4.125(e)(4)(B)(i)]:
- R, R(A) (Single Family)
- D, D(A) (Duplex)
- TH, TH(A) (Townhouse)
- CH (Clustered Housing)
- MF, MF(A) (Multifamily)
Tower Spacing (Side and Rear)
For side and rear yards in the Dallas MU-2(SAH) district, the code mandates "tower spacing" for taller buildings to ensure adequate light and air [Section 51A-4.125(e)(4)(B)(ii)].
| Structure Height | Side/Rear Setback Requirement |
|---|---|
| 0 to 45 feet | 0 feet (or 20 feet if residentially adjacent) |
| Above 45 feet | Base setback + 1 foot for every 2 feet of height above 45 feet |
| Maximum Limit | Total setback adjustment does not exceed 30 feet |
Additional Provisions
- Text Precedence: In the event of a conflict between the text of the Dallas Development Code and any charts or graphic displays, the text of the district regulations governs the MU-2(SAH) requirements [Section 51A-4.105(b)].
- Parking Garages: In an MU-2(SAH) district, parking garages are exempt from the standard maximum number of stories but must still comply with the height and setback regulations of the district [Section 51A-4.125(e)(4)(H)(ii)].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-4.105. Interpretation of District Regulations.
- Sec. 51A-4.125. Mixed Use Districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.410. Schedule of Yard, Lot, and Space Regulations.