TH-1(A) Townhouse District 1 Zoning in the City of Dallas

The TH-1(A): Townhouse District 1 is a residential zoning classification in the City of Dallas primarily intended to provide for single-family and duplex dwellings with a maximum density of six units per net acre. While the district allows various civic, utility, and recreational uses—often requiring a Specific Use Permit (SUP)—it strictly prohibits all commercial, office, and retail uses to maintain residential integrity [Sec. 51A-4.114].

Main Permitted Uses in the TH-1(A) District

The City of Dallas separates permitted uses in the TH-1(A) district into those allowed "by right" and those that require a Specific Use Permit (SUP).

Residential and Lodging Uses

Single-family living: Permitted by right [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(I)].
Duplex: Permitted by right [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(I)].
Handicapped group dwelling unit: Permitted by right, subject to specific spacing and occupancy requirements [Sec. 51A-4.209(3.1)].
Retirement housing: Permitted only by Specific Use Permit (SUP) [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(I)].
Lodging uses: No lodging uses (such as hotels or motels) are permitted in the TH-1(A) district [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(E)].

Civic and Institutional Uses

Church: Permitted by right [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Child or adult care facility: Permitted by right, subject to conditions in Sec. 51A-4.204(3) [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Cemetery or mausoleum: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
College, university, or seminary: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Community service center: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Convalescent and nursing homes, hospice care, and related institutions: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Convent or monastery: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Foster home: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Library, art gallery, or museum: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
Public or private school: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(D)].

Utility and Public Service Uses

Transit passenger shelter: Permitted by right [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(K)].
Local utilities: Permitted by right, though a Specific Use Permit or Residential Adjacency Review (RAR) may be required depending on the nature of the utility [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(L)].
Tower/antenna for cellular communication: Permitted by right subject to the provisions of Section 51A-4.212(10.1) [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(L)].
Police or fire station: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(L)].
Post office: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(L)].
Radio, television, or microwave tower: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(L)].
Water treatment plant: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(L)].

Recreation and Agricultural Uses

Crop production: Permitted by right [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(A)].
Public park, playground, or golf course: Permitted by right [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(H)].
Country club with private membership: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(H)].
Private recreation center, club, or area: Permitted only by SUP [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(H)].

Explicitly Prohibited Uses

The City of Dallas Development Code explicitly lists several categories of uses as "none permitted" within the TH-1(A) district. These include:

Commercial and business service uses: Examples such as catering services, medical scientific laboratories, and tool rentals are prohibited [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(B)].
Office uses: Standard professional offices and medical clinics are prohibited [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(G)].
Retail and personal service uses: Examples such as convenience stores, restaurants, and dry cleaners are prohibited [Sec. 51A-4.114(2)(J)].

Development Standards for TH-1(A)

The following table outlines the technical requirements for building placement and density within the TH-1(A) district in the City of Dallas [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)].

Standard	Requirement
Maximum Dwelling Unit Density	6 dwelling units per acre
Minimum Front Yard	0 feet
Minimum Side/Rear Yard (Single-Family)	0 feet
Minimum Side Yard (Duplex)	5 feet
Minimum Rear Yard (Duplex)	10 feet
Minimum Lot Size (Single-Family)	2,000 square feet
Minimum Lot Size (Duplex)	6,000 square feet
Maximum Building Height	36 feet
Maximum Lot Coverage (Residential)	60% (up to 80% for total individual projects if 40% is open space)

Parking Requirements

Off-street parking in the City of Dallas TH-1(A) district is generally required at the following ratios [SEC. 51A-4.301]:

Single-family living: 1 space per unit.
Duplex: 1 space per unit.
Retirement housing: 1 space per dwelling unit.
Church: 1 space per 28 square feet of seating area.

Sections Cited

Sec. 51A-4.114. TOWNHOUSE [TH-1(A), TH-2(A), and TH-3(A)] DISTRICTS.
Sec. 51A-4.204. Institutional and community service uses.
Sec. 51A-4.209. Residential uses.
Sec. 51A-4.212. Utility and public service uses.
Sec. 51A-4.301. OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS.