TH-3(A) Townhouse District 3: Dallas Development Code Guide
The TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3 in Dallas is a medium-density residential zone primarily intended for single-family and duplex dwellings with a dense urban character. This Dallas zoning classification allows for a maximum dwelling unit density of 12 units per net acre and restricts building heights to 36 feet. Notable for its flexibility, the TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3 permits zero-foot front yard setbacks and provides for single-family lots as small as 2,000 square feet.
Purpose and Intent
The City of Dallas established the TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3 to provide standards that recognize and protect townhouse developments as a specific form of housing. The regulations for this district are designed to foster a dense residential character by establishing minimum standards for lot area, yards, lot coverage, and lot frontage [Section 51A-4.114(1)].
Permitted Land Uses
In the City of Dallas, the TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3 is restricted primarily to residential and supporting community uses. While most non-residential uses require a Specific Use Permit (SUP), several uses are allowed by right.
Uses Permitted by Right
The following uses are allowed without a special permit in the TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3:
- Agricultural: Crop production [Section 51A-4.114(2)(A)].
- Institutional: Child or adult care facility (on property previously used by a religious organization, school, or recreation center), church, and convent or monastery [Section 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
- Residential: Single family, duplex, and handicapped group dwelling units [Section 51A-4.114(2)(I)].
- Utility/Public Service: Local utilities [Section 51A-4.114(2)(L)].
- Recreation: Public park, playground, or golf course [Section 51A-4.114(2)(H)].
Uses Requiring a Specific Use Permit (SUP)
To maintain the residential integrity of the Dallas TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3, the following uses typically require an SUP:
- Industrial: Gas drilling and production, and temporary concrete or asphalt batching plants.
- Institutional: Cemeteries, colleges, community service centers, hospitals, and private or public schools.
- Residential: Retirement housing.
- Retail/Personal Service: Animal shelter or clinic (without outside runs) and nursery or plant sales.
- Utility/Public Service: Electrical substations, police or fire stations, and towers or antennas for cellular communication.
Yard, Lot, and Space Regulations
The City of Dallas applies specific dimensional requirements to the TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3 to ensure consistent density and open space.
| Regulation | Single Family Use | Duplex Use | Other Permitted Structures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Front Yard | 0 feet | 0 feet | 0 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard | 0 feet | 5 feet | 10 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard | 0 feet | 5 feet | 10 feet |
| Maximum Height | 36 feet | 36 feet | 36 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60% | 60% | 25% |
| Minimum Lot Area | 2,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 sq. ft. | N/A |
| Maximum Density | 12 units/acre | 12 units/acre | N/A |
Additional Spacing and Coverage Rules
- Abutting Districts: If a Dallas TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3 site abuts a district with more restrictive yard requirements, those more restrictive side yard standards apply to the abutting side [Section 51A-4.114(4)(B)(v)].
- Structure Spacing: Within the TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3, there must be a minimum of 15 feet between each group of eight single-family structures [Section 51A-4.114(8)(A)].
- Individual Lot Coverage: While the overall project coverage for residential uses is limited to 60%, an individual lot may be covered up to 80% if at least 40% of the total project area is reserved for open space [Section 51A-4.114(4)(F)(iii)].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Dallas mandates the following minimum parking for residential uses within the TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3:
- Single-Family Living: 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1].
- Duplex: 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301, Table 1.0.1].
- General Location: In the TH-3(A) Townhouse district 3, off-street parking must be provided at or below ground level, except for specifically approved mechanized parking [Section 51A-4.114(5)].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.101: New Zoning Districts Established
- Section 51A-4.114: Townhouse Districts
- Section 51A-4.212: Utility and Public Service Uses
- Section 51A-4.301: Off-Street Parking Regulations
- Section 51A-4.410: Schedule of Yard, Lot, and Space Regulations