Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Dallas County, TX (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Dallas County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Dallas County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Specific Plans Overview

Texas counties cannot generally zone land. Dallas County regulates only subdivision plats, floodplains, and on-site sewage facilities in unincorporated areas under Local Government Code Chapter 232. Specific land-use plans are adopted by member cities, not the county.

Texas counties have limited zoning authority

Few Restrictions

Tex. Local Gov't Code Sec. 232.001(a)-(b)

Sec. 232.001. PLAT REQUIRED. (a) The owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out: (1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition; (2) lots; or (3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended by the owner of the tract to be dedic...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses by City in Dallas County

5 cities in Dallas County have their own zoning overlays & bonuses rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

DallasPop. 1,304,379

3 verified rules • Density Bonus Law, Q-Conditions (Qualified Zoning)

IrvingPop. 256,684

1 verified rule • Downtown Design Guide

GarlandPop. 246,018

1 verified rule • Downtown Design Guide

Grand PrairiePop. 196,100

1 verified rule • Downtown Design Guide

CarrolltonPop. 133,434

1 verified rule • Downtown Design Guide

All Dallas County ordinances

See every category we cover for Dallas County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Dallas County Ordinance Hub →