Understanding the R-10(A) Single Family District in the City of Dallas
The R-10(A) Single Family District in the City of Dallas is designed for residential areas with intermediate-sized lots requiring a minimum of 10,000 square feet per dwelling. This district maintains a maximum building height of 30 feet and requires a 30-foot front yard setback, while strictly limiting lot coverage to 40% for residential structures to preserve neighborhood character.
Purpose and General Character
The City of Dallas established the R-10(A) Single Family District to protect and encourage the development of intermediate-density residential areas. The primary goal of the R-10(A) Single Family District is to conserve the value of buildings and building sites that have transitioned into these specific lot sizes over recent years [Sec. 51A-4.112(e)(1)].
The district is intended to be composed primarily of detached single-family dwellings, supplemented by essential community institutions such as churches, public and private schools, and parks. Regulations for the R-10(A) Single Family District are designed to ensure that any adjustments to district boundaries are made only at the fringes to secure a reasonable development of land and provide a gradual transition between different types of zoning districts [Sec. 51A-4.112(e)(1)].
Technical Development Standards
The City of Dallas enforces specific "Yard, Lot, and Space" regulations to maintain the density and aesthetic of the R-10(A) Single Family District.
| Regulation Type | Single-Family Structure Standard | Other Permitted Structures |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Front Yard | 30 feet | 30 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard | 6 feet | 10 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard | 6 feet | 15 feet |
| Maximum Height | 30 feet | 30 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 40 percent | 25 percent |
| Minimum Lot Area | 10,000 square feet | N/A |
| Maximum Stories | No maximum | No maximum |
[Sec. 51A-4.112(e)(4)].
Additional District Provisions
In the R-10(A) Single Family District, the City of Dallas limits electrical utility services. A lot used for single-family purposes may be supplied by no more than one electrical utility service and metered by a single electrical meter, unless the board of adjustment grants a special exception [Sec. 51A-4.112(e)(8)(A)].
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the R-10(A) Single Family District are categorized by their level of compatibility with a residential environment. Some uses are permitted "by right," while others require a Specific Use Permit [SUP] or a Residential Adjacency Review [RAR] [Sec. 51A-4.105(a)].
Residential and Agricultural
- Single-family living: Permitted by right.
- Handicapped group dwelling unit: Permitted by right (subject to specific spacing requirements) [Sec. 51A-4.209(3.1)].
- Crop production: Permitted by right.
Institutional and Community Service
- Church: Permitted by right.
- Child or adult care facility: Permitted by right if on a property previously used by a religious organization or school; otherwise requires an [SUP].
- Public or private school: Permitted via [SUP].
- Cemetery or mausoleum: Permitted via [SUP].
- Library, art gallery, or museum: Permitted via [SUP].
Utility and Transportation
- Transit passenger shelter: Permitted by right.
- Police or fire station: Permitted via [SUP].
- Local utilities: Permitted via [SUP] or [RAR].
- Tower/antenna for cellular communication: Permitted via the regulations in Section 51A-4.212(10.1).
Accessory Uses and Parking
The City of Dallas generally permits accessory uses that are customarily incidental to the main use of the property. However, in the R-10(A) Single Family District, the following specific restrictions apply:
- Prohibited Accessory Uses: Accessory helistops, medical/infectious waste incinerators, outside sales, and pathological waste incinerators are not allowed [Sec. 51A-4.112(e)(3)(A)].
- Accessory Community Centers: Permitted only via [SUP] [Sec. 51A-4.112(e)(3)(B)].
Regarding transportation, the R-10(A) Single Family District requires one off-street parking space for every single-family dwelling unit [Sec. 51A-4.301(a)]. Parking must be provided at or below ground level [Sec. 51A-4.112(e)(5)].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 51A-2.102. Definitions.
- Sec. 51A-4.101. New Zoning Districts Established.
- Sec. 51A-4.105. Interpretation of District Regulations.
- Sec. 51A-4.112. Single Family Districts.
- Sec. 51A-4.209. Residential Uses.
- Sec. 51A-4.212. Utility and Public Service Uses.
- Sec. 51A-4.217. Accessory Uses.
- Sec. 51A-4.301. Off-Street Parking Regulations.