Frequently Asked Questions

Zoning Reform

What is zoning, and what does it regulate?

Zoning is a local regulatory tool that controls how land and buildings can be used. It regulates things like permitted uses (residential, commercial, industrial), where a building can be placed on a lot (setbacks), its size and bulk (height, floor area, lot coverage), parking, landscaping, signage, and accessory uses. 

What are the common zoning districts?

Zoning districts include:

  • Residential

  • Office

  • Retail

  • Industrial

  • Agricultural

  • Mixed-use

What are the different types of zoning regulations?

  • Height density

  • Lot size

  • Parking

  • Coverage

  • Floor area ratio

  • Design standards

Why is Dallas updating its zoning / Development Code now?

Dallas’s current code has evolved through many ad hoc updates, becoming complex, inconsistent, and burdensome to administer. The reform aims to simplify and modernize the rules, better reflect the vision outlined in the Forward Dallas Comprehensive Plan, improve development predictability, and enable a broader range of housing types.

How will the new zoning reform relate to the Forward Dallas Comprehensive Plan?


 The Forward Dallas plan provides the long-term growth vision and land use policies. The new zoning reform will transform those policies into enforceable rules by updating the zoning map and regulations to align with where and how the city wants growth to occur. 

Learn more about ForwardDallas 2.0 here:

https://dallascityhall.com/departments/pnv/Forward-Dallas/Pages/default.aspx

(See map below.)

How can the public get involved in the zoning reform process?


 Public feedback is solicited at various stages, including workshops, stakeholder consultations, and written comments. These inputs help shape the proposed code before advisory committees, planning commissions, and the City Council review it.

 How will the new zoning code affect parking requirements?


 The reform included a Parking Reform that removed many of the rigid, “one‑size‑fits‑all” off‑street parking minimums.  It has allowed greater flexibility to right‑size parking to the context near transit, for example, while retaining minimum requirements in some instances, such as multi-family homes. 

See more about the parking code here: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/pnv/Pages/parking-code-amendment.aspx

 What does Dallas Housing Coalition advocate for?

Dallas needs more housing. Let's increase housing choice by legalizing more housing types and allowing more housing to be built for Dallas residents of all incomes, backgrounds, and life stages. Here at DHC, we want to:

  • Allow more homes to be built “by right” (without going through the zoning change process or having to seek a permit, variance, etc.) or permitted with standards

  • Make current zoning districts more permissive to allow more residential housing and a diversity of uses, such as retail and mixed-use

  • Reducethe minimum lot size requirements

  • Create "transition zones" along corridors, major streets, or adjacent to any commercial land uses, where missing middle housing types and mixed-use developments could be built

  • Update the new zoning code with affordable housing incentives to apply to all districts that allow multifamily development

  • Create live-work zoning districts that allow commercial uses by right and legalize home-based businesses

  • Permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right

  • Promote the revitalization of historic buildings by permitting structures built before 1945 to be internally converted for residential and/or commercial use by right

  • Develop a City of Dallas library of pre-approved construction plans for homes

What's next for zoning in Dallas?

Public Draft Code 1.0 is expected to be released in the Spring of 2026, followed by Open Houses in the Summer of 2026. In Fall 2026, Public Draft 2.0 (redline) will be released, and additional public hearings and adoption will occur in Winter 2026 through 2027.

What changes might affect residential neighborhoods (single‑family, duplexes, etc.)?


 Reform may allow more housing types in places where they are currently restricted, adjust rules for building height, lot coverage, and setbacks, and better integrate transitions between more intense and less intense zones. These changes are intended to encourage housing diversity while still respecting neighborhood character. 

 What is the “Code Diagnostic” and why is it important?


 The Code Diagnostic is a comprehensive review of Dallas’s current development and zoning rules, used to identify issues, redundancies, inconsistencies, and opportunities for modernization. It forms a foundation for proposing new regulations and ensuring that reform is data‑informed, transparent, and responsive to community needs. 

The City of Dallas and its consultants have created https://www.dallaszoningreform.com/, where you can find the Diagnostic Report and other resources.

Will existing developments and neighborhoods be forced to change under the new code?


 In general, zoning reforms aim to balance progress with stability, so many existing lawful uses or conforming developments would likely be grandfathered or otherwise protected.
That said, the reform may introduce new rules about bulk, setbacks, or allowable housing types for future development.