Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Dallas, TX (2026)
3 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Dallas, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Specific Plans Overview
Dallas guides neighborhood growth through the forwardDallas Comprehensive Plan and over 1,100 Planned Development (PD) Districts under Chapter 51A. Each PD tailors uses, density, height, and design standards for a defined area.
Area Plans and Planned Development Districts
Some RestrictionsTexas Local Government Code Chapter 232 - County Regulation of Subdivisions
Sec. 232.0015. EXCEPTIONS TO PLAT REQUIREMENT. (a) To determine whether specific divisions of land are required to be platted, a county may define and classify the divisions. A county need not require platting for every division of land otherwise within the scope of this subchapter.(b) Except as provided by Section 232.0013, this subchapter does not apply to a subdivision of land to which Subch...
Density Bonus Law
Dallas lets developers build above the density permitted by right in SAH (Sustainable Affordable Housing) districts only if they provide affordable units or an in-lieu payment under Development Code Sec. 51A-4.905. The director of development services must approve the density bonus application before a higher-density building permit can issue.
Dallas SAH Density Bonus Application Rules
Some RestrictionsDallas Development Code Sec. 51A-4.905
(a) In general. Regulations for SAH districts in Article IV specify the dwelling unit density permitted by right. A density bonus may be obtained in these districts if one or more SAH units or an in-lieu payment is provided in accordance with this division. Prior to the issuance of a building permit that would increase the dwelling unit density in a SAH district above the number permitted by ri...
Q-Conditions (Qualified Zoning)
Dallas does not use Q Conditions to attach site-specific zoning terms. Instead the city grants a Specific Use Permit (SUP) under Development Code Sec. 51A-4.219, requiring city council approval by separate ordinance after findings that the use is compatible with surrounding property, benefits the area, and is not detrimental to public health or safety.
Dallas Specific Use Permits Replace Q Conditions
Significant RestrictionsDallas Development Code Sec. 51A-4.219(a)(1), (a)(3)
(1) The SUP provides a means for developing certain uses in a manner in which the specific use will be compatible with adjacent property and consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Each SUP must be granted by the city council by separate ordinance. (3) The city council shall not grant an SUP for a use except upon a finding that the use will: (A) complement or be compatible with the s...
Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dallas city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Dallas County →