TH-3(A) Townhouse District 3 Regulations in Dallas
The TH-3(A) Townhouse District in Dallas is a residential designation designed for high-density single-family dwellings with a maximum density of 12 units per net acre. While the designation primarily supports residential living, it allows for limited agricultural and institutional uses, though many non-residential activities require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) or Residential Adjacency Review (RAR) [Section 51A-4.114].
Allowed and Prohibited Use Categories
The Dallas Development Code classifies uses within the TH-3(A) Townhouse District into specific categories. Some categories are entirely prohibited, while others contain specific permitted uses.
Residential and Lodging Uses
The TH-3(A) Townhouse District in Dallas is primarily intended for residential occupancy. All lodging uses, such as hotels or motels, are strictly prohibited [Section 51A-4.114(2)(E)].
| Use Sub-Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Single-family living | Permitted by Right |
| Duplex | Permitted by Right |
| Handicapped group dwelling unit | Permitted (See Section 51A-4.209(3.1)) |
| Retirement housing | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
| All Lodging Uses (Hotel/Motel) | Prohibited |
Commercial, Office, and Industrial Uses
The Municipality of Dallas prohibits almost all commercial and office activities within the TH-3(A) Townhouse District to maintain residential character [Section 51A-4.114(2)].
| Use Sub-Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| All Office Uses | Prohibited |
| All Commercial and Business Service Uses | Prohibited |
| Gas drilling and production | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
| Temporary concrete or asphalt batching plant | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
Institutional and Community Service Uses
Dallas allows various community-oriented uses in the TH-3(A) Townhouse District, provided they meet specific oversight requirements [Section 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
| Use Sub-Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Convent or monastery | Permitted by Right |
| Child or adult care facility | Permitted (See Section 51A-4.204(3)) |
| Church | Permitted by Right |
| Public school (other than open-enrollment) | Residential Adjacency Review (RAR) |
| Open-enrollment charter school or private school | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
| Library, art gallery, or museum | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
| Hospital | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
| Cemetery or mausoleum | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
Utility and Transportation Uses
Most utility and public service uses in Dallas TH-3(A) districts require a Specific Use Permit to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood [Section 51A-4.114(2)(L)].
| Use Sub-Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Transit passenger shelter | Permitted by Right |
| Local utilities | SUP or RAR may be required |
| Electrical substation | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
| Police or fire station | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
| Tower/antenna for cellular communication | See Section 51A-4.212(10.1) |
| Helistop | Specific Use Permit (SUP) Required |
Technical Development Standards
The TH-3(A) Townhouse District in Dallas enforces specific dimensional requirements to control density and building placement [Section 51A-4.114(4)].
| Standard Type | TH-3(A) Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Dwelling Unit Density | 12 units per net acre |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 feet |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 0 feet |
| Minimum Side/Rear Setback (Single-family) | 0 feet |
| Minimum Side/Rear Setback (Duplex) | 5 feet (Side) / 10 feet (Rear) |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single-family) | 2,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Duplex) | 6,000 square feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60% (up to 80% for individual lots in a project) |
Accessory Use Restrictions
In the Dallas TH-3(A) Townhouse District, accessory uses must be customarily incidental to the main use. The following specific restrictions apply:
- Prohibited Accessory Uses: Accessory helistops and accessory medical/infectious waste incinerators are not allowed [Section 51A-4.114(3)(A)].
- Permitted by SUP Only: Accessory community centers (private) require a Specific Use Permit [Section 51A-4.114(3)(B)].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.101. New zoning districts established.
- Section 51A-4.114. Townhouse [TH-1(A), TH-2(A), and TH-3(A)] districts.
- Section 51A-4.204. Institutional and community service uses.
- Section 51A-4.209. Residential uses.
- 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.