UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 in Dallas Zoning Overview
The UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 in Dallas is a high-intensity mixed-use classification that requires at least two distinct land uses per lot, with a mandatory residential component located above the street level. This Dallas development zone requires a minimum density of 45 dwelling units per acre and permits building heights of up to 100 feet when specific structured parking density bonuses are utilized [Section 51A-13.306].
Purpose of the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3
The primary purpose of the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 in the City of Dallas is to encourage medium-density mixed-use development that features a mandatory above-grade residential component [Section 51A-13.306]. By promoting pedestrian-friendly site design and an urban street character, the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 aims to increase pedestrian traffic, reduce reliance on vehicular travel, and promote energy-efficient land use through appropriate site design [Section 51A-13.101].
For a street segment to qualify for the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 designation in Dallas, it must meet specific criteria, including a minimum outside lane width of 10 feet, a road composition that supports buses, and an overhead clearance of at least 11 feet [Section 51A-13.306]. Specifically, the Dallas Development Code requires that a UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 segment be located along a six-lane arterial [Section 51A-13.306].
Permitted Land Uses
In the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3, property must be developed with a minimum of two land uses. Residential use is prohibited at the street level along an urban corridor frontage and must be placed on upper levels [Section 51A-13.306].
| Principal Use Category | Permitted Uses in UC-3 |
|---|---|
| Residential | Single-family living, Multifamily living [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Civic | Day care, Educational, Government service, Transit station, Utilities, Place of worship [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Office | Medical clinic, Office [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Retail | Restaurant or Bar, Retail sales, Vehicle sales [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Service/Entertainment | Commercial amusement (inside), Indoor recreation, Personal service, Animal care [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Commerce | Commercial parking, Overnight lodging [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Fabrication | Light manufacturing, Research and development, Vehicle service [Section 51A-13.306] |
Note: Certain uses like drive-thru facilities, social services, helistops, and self-storage require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) within the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 [Section 51A-13.306].
General Character and Development Standards
The character of the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 in Dallas is defined by its high density and vertical mixing of uses. The Dallas Development Code establishes strict standards for building placement, height, and density to maintain a consistent urban form.
Lot and Placement Standards
Building placement in the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 emphasizes a strong relationship with the street, requiring buildings to be pulled forward toward the sidewalk [Section 51A-13.306].
| Standard | UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Density | 45 dwelling units per acre [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Minimum Unit Area | 500 square feet [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 80% [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Primary Street Setback | No minimum; Max is smallest distance meeting buffer/pedestrian zone requirements [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Side Setback (Standard) | 5 feet [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Side Setback (Adjacent to Residential) | 10 feet [Section 51A-13.306] |
| Rear Setback | 15 feet [Section 51A-13.306] |
Height and Intensity (FAR)
The UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 allows for significant height and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) increases if developers provide structured parking [Section 51A-13.306].
| Development Level | Max Height (Stories/Feet) | Max Floor Area Ratio (FAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Base (No Bonus) | 4 stories / 55 feet | 1.0 |
| Above-Grade Parking Bonus | 8 stories / 100 feet | 4.0 |
| Below-Grade Parking Bonus | 8 stories / 100 feet | 4.5 |
Pedestrian and Site Design
Dallas regulations for the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 require specific design elements to enhance the public realm. All developments must provide a "Curb-to-Building Area" of 15 feet in width [Section 51A-13.306]. This area must include a pedestrian zone and a buffer zone containing required street trees. The Dallas City Code recommends specific tree species for these corridors, such as Japanese Maple, Eastern Redbud, and Chinese Pistachio [Section 51A-13.306].
Furthermore, the UC-3: Urban Corridor District 3 requires at least three types of pedestrian amenities from the approved list, which includes items such as awnings/canopies (minimum 4-foot overhang), benches (at least two per lot), trash receptacles, and bicycle parking [Section 51A-13.306].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-4.101
- Sec. 51A-13.101
- Sec. 51A-13.302
- Sec. 51A-13.306