Setback Requirements for R-16(A) Single Family Districts in Dallas
In the R-16(A) Single Family District in Dallas, the minimum front yard setback is 35 feet. For single family structures, both the side and rear yard setbacks are established at a minimum of 10 feet, while other permitted structures within the district require a minimum side yard of 15 feet and a minimum rear yard of 20 feet.
| Setback Type | Structure Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | All Structures | 35 feet |
| Side Yard | Single Family Structures | 10 feet |
| Side Yard | Other Permitted Structures | 15 feet |
| Rear Yard | Single Family Structures | 10 feet |
| Rear Yard | Other Permitted Structures | 20 feet |
Front Yard Requirements
In the Dallas R-16(A) district, the minimum front yard setback is 35 feet [Section 51A-4.112(c)(4)(A)]. According to the general provisions of the Dallas Development Code, the front yard must be open and unobstructed, though certain ordinary projections such as window sills, belt courses, and cornices may project up to 12 inches into the required yard. Additionally, a fireplace chimney may project up to two feet into the required front yard [Section 51A-4.401(a)(1)].
If a building line has been established by a specific ordinance for a blockface in Dallas, that building line will determine the minimum required front yard rather than the standard district 35-foot requirement [Section 51A-4.401(a)(3)].
Side Yard Requirements
The side yard setbacks in the R-16(A) Single Family District depend on the type of structure being erected:
- Single Family Structures: Must maintain a minimum side yard of 10 feet [Section 51A-4.112(c)(4)(B)(i)].
- Other Permitted Structures: Must maintain a minimum side yard of 15 feet [Section 51A-4.112(c)(4)(B)(ii)].
The Dallas building official may approve a ramp for handicapped access to a single family or duplex structure within the required side yard, provided it meets specific accessibility standards and minimizes encroachment [Section 51A-4.402(a)(5)]. Furthermore, a unitary air conditioning unit is permitted within a required side yard in Dallas, but it cannot be closer than three feet to the property line [Section 51A-4.402(a)(4)].
Rear Yard Requirements
Similar to side yards, the rear yard requirements for the R-16(A) district are categorized by the use of the structure:
- Single Family Structures: Must maintain a minimum rear yard of 10 feet [Section 51A-4.112(c)(4)(B)(i)].
- Other Permitted Structures: Must maintain a minimum rear yard of 20 feet [Section 51A-4.112(c)(4)(B)(iii)].
In residential districts across the municipality of Dallas, a person may be exempt from providing a standard side or rear yard setback for a structure accessory to a residential use (such as a generator) if that 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 51A-4.403(b)(2)]. However, if the rear yard is adjacent to an alley, a minimum three-foot setback must be maintained [Section 51A-4.403(b)(2)].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-4.112. Single Family Districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.401. Minimum Front Yard.
- Sec. 51A-4.402. Minimum Side Yard.
- Sec. 51A-4.403. Minimum Rear Yard.
- Sec. 51A-4.410. Schedule of Yard, Lot, and Space Regulations.