Commercial Cannabis Zoning: Dallas vs Richardson
How do commercial cannabis zoning rules compare between Dallas, TX and Richardson, TX?
Dallas and Richardson have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas Code Chapter 51A handles hemp and CBD retail under standard commercial zoning since Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 122 permits hemp-derived sales. Recreational cannabis dispensaries are illegal statewide. The three Compassionate Use Program licensees site under medical or pharmacy use categories, none currently in Dallas city limits.
View full Dallas rules →Richardson, TX
Dallas County
Hemp and CBD retail in Dallas County operates under standard commercial zoning per TX Agriculture Code Chapter 122, which permits hemp-derived sales. Recreational cannabis dispensaries are illegal statewide. The three Compassionate Use Program licensees are sited outside the county; counties have narrow zoning authority compared to cities.
View full Richardson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| CBD retail | Standard commercial zoning | Standard commercial zoning |
| Recreational stores | Illegal under TX state law | Illegal under TX state law |
| CUP licensees | None currently in Dallas | None located in Dallas County |
| Zoning chapter | Dallas Code Ch. 51A | - |
| CO violation | Up to $2,000 daily fine | - |
| County authority | - | TX Local Gov Code Ch. 232 |
| Severity | - | Moderate — limited rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Can a recreational cannabis store open in Dallas?
No. Texas does not permit recreational cannabis sales. Dallas zoning has no use category for recreational dispensaries because state law preempts the underlying activity under H&S Code Chapter 481.
How does Dallas zone CBD or smoke shops?
Under Chapter 51A general retail use categories, typically permitted in CC, CR, and CA districts with a standard certificate of occupancy. No cannabis-specific overlay applies to hemp-derived product retailers.
Richardson FAQ
Can a recreational cannabis store open anywhere in Dallas County?
No. Texas does not permit recreational cannabis sales. No city or unincorporated area within the county has zoning authority to authorize a recreational dispensary while state law preempts the underlying activity.
How does unincorporated Dallas County handle CBD or smoke shops?
Unincorporated retail follows fire and building code only, since TX counties lack detailed use zoning. Most county area is incorporated, so CBD retail typically falls under each city's commercial zoning rules.
Compare other topics
See how Dallas and Richardson compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool