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TH-1(A) Townhouse District Setback Requirements in Dallas

Jurisdiction: DallasCode Version: March 2025

The City of Dallas defines the TH-1(A) Townhouse district as a residential classification allowing for higher density single-family and duplex living. In this district, the City of Dallas does not require a minimum front yard setback, and single-family structures have no minimum side or rear yard requirements, though specific setbacks apply to duplexes and other permitted structures.

Setback Requirements for the TH-1(A) District

Pursuant to the Dallas Development Code, the yard requirements for the TH-1(A) Townhouse district vary based on the type of structure being developed on the building site.

Structure Type Minimum Front Yard Minimum Side Yard Minimum Rear Yard
Single-Family Structure No minimum [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(A)] No minimum [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(B)(i)] No minimum [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(B)(i)]
Duplex Structure No minimum [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(A)] 5 Feet [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(B)(ii)] 10 Feet [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(B)(iii)]
Other Permitted Structures No minimum [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(A)] 10 Feet [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(B)(iv)] 10 Feet [Sec. 51A-4.114(4)(B)(iv)]

Special Provisions and Adjustments

The City of Dallas applies additional regulations that may modify the base setbacks for development within the TH-1(A) Townhouse district.

Abutting More Restrictive Districts

If a lot in a City of Dallas TH-1(A) Townhouse district abuts another residential district that requires a greater side yard, the side yard requirements of that more restrictive district apply to the abutting side yard in the TH-1(A) district [Section 51A-4.114(4)(B)(v)]. Additionally, if a TH-1(A) district abuts another residential district in the same blockface and fronts on the same side of the street, the residential district with the greater front yard requirement determines the minimum front yard for the TH-1(A) lot, extending at least 150 feet into the district [Section 51A-4.401(b)(3)].

Structure Spacing for Single-Family Units

While there is no minimum yard for individual single-family homes, the City of Dallas requires a minimum spacing of 15 feet between each group of eight single-family structures. This requirement must be established and provided for by the plat [Section 51A-4.114(8)(A)].

Building Lines and Setback Measurement

In the City of Dallas, the front yard setback is measured from the front lot line of the building site or the required right-of-way as determined by the thoroughfare plan, whichever creates the greater setback [Section 51A-4.401(a)(2)]. If an existing platted building line requires a greater setback than the district's "no minimum" standard, the building line on the plat determines the minimum required yard [Section 51A-4.401(a)(3)].

Encroachments and Ramps

The building official for the City of Dallas may approve the installation of a ramp for a person with disabilities to project into the required front, side, or rear yards. Such ramps must be constructed to applicable accessibility standards and with minimal encroachment [Section 51A-4.401(a)(4); Section 51A-4.402(a)(5)].

Sections Cited

  • Section 51A-4.114. TOWNHOUSE [TH-1(A), TH-2(A), and TH-3(A)] DISTRICTS.
  • Section 51A-4.401. MINIMUM FRONT YARD.
  • Section 51A-4.402. MINIMUM SIDE YARD.
  • Section 51A-4.410. SCHEDULE OF YARD, LOT, AND SPACE REGULATIONS.

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TH-1(A) Townhouse District Setback Requirements in Dallas | Dallas Zoning Guide