The TH-1(A) Townhouse District 1 in Dallas: Purpose and Regulations
The TH-1(A) District in Dallas is a residential zoning classification designed to facilitate medium-density townhouse developments with a maximum density of six dwelling units per acre. This district permits single-family and duplex living by right while maintaining a maximum structure height of 36 feet and a maximum residential lot coverage of 60 percent.
Purpose and General Character
The Dallas Development Code establishes the TH-1(A) District to recognize and protect townhouses as a distinct form of housing within the City of Dallas. The primary intent of this classification is to provide minimum standards for lot area, yards, coverage, and frontage that maintain a dense single-family residential character [Section 51A-4.114(1)].
In terms of physical character, townhouse developments in the City of Dallas typically consist of three or more attached units consolidated into a single structure where each unit is separated by a common side wall. In certain applications within Dallas, these structures are designed to ensure privacy by providing an elevated ground floor, and the Dallas Development Code often prohibits garages from facing the primary street to maintain the aesthetic of the neighborhood [Section 51A-13.305(g)].
Permitted Land Uses
The TH-1(A) District in Dallas primarily allows for residential and agricultural uses by right, while most institutional and community service uses require a Specific Use Permit (SUP).
Primary Uses Permitted by Right
- Residential: Single-family dwellings and duplexes [Section 51A-4.114(2)(I)].
- Agricultural: Crop production [Section 51A-4.114(2)(A)].
- Recreation: Public parks, playgrounds, or golf courses [Section 51A-4.114(2)(H)].
Uses Permitted by Specific Use Permit (SUP)
- Institutional: Churches, schools (public or private), libraries, museums, and convalescent or nursing homes [Section 51A-4.114(2)(D)].
- Industrial: Gas drilling and production, and temporary concrete or asphalt batching plants [Section 51A-4.114(2)(C)].
- Recreation: Country clubs with private membership and private recreation centers [Section 51A-4.114(2)(H)].
Development Standards
The TH-1(A) District in Dallas enforces strict dimensional requirements to manage density and neighborhood scale.
| Category | Requirement for TH-1(A) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 6 dwelling units per acre [Section 51A-4.114(4)(C)] |
| Maximum Height | 36 feet [Section 51A-4.114(4)(E)] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Residential) | 60% [Section 51A-4.114(4)(F)] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Non-residential) | 25% [Section 51A-4.114(4)(F)] |
| Minimum Front Yard | No minimum [Section 51A-4.114(4)(A)] |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single-Family) | 2,000 square feet [Section 51A-4.114(4)(G)] |
| Minimum Lot Area (Duplex) | 6,000 square feet [Section 51A-4.114(4)(G)] |
Yard Requirements
The Dallas Development Code provides specific side and rear yard setbacks based on the type of structure being erected within the TH-1(A) District:
| Structure Type | Minimum Side Yard | Minimum Rear Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | No minimum | No minimum |
| Duplex | 5 feet | 10 feet |
| Other Permitted Structures | 10 feet | 15 feet |
Note: If a townhouse district in Dallas abuts a district that requires a greater side yard, the more restrictive side yard requirements of the abutting district apply to the side yard in the townhouse district [Section 51A-4.114(4)(B)].
Parking Requirements
Parking standards for the TH-1(A) District are governed by the general off-street parking regulations of the Dallas Development Code. For single-family and duplex uses, the requirement is generally one space per dwelling unit [Section 51A-4.301].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-4.101
- Section 51A-4.114
- Section 51A-4.209
- Section 51A-4.301
- Section 51A-13.305