Dallas, TX Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Code chapter
- Dallas Development Code Ch. 51A
- Agricultural district
- A(A) by-right farming
- Community gardens
- Most zones, registration only
- Urban farms
- SUP needed in residential
- Backyard chickens
- Allowed on lots over half-acre
Summary
Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A permits agricultural use as a primary use in A(A) Agricultural districts and allows community gardens and limited urban farms in many residential and commercial zones with specific use permits.
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 Subchapter B or G applies.(c) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if:(1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and(2) the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use, as defined by Section 1-d, Article V...
Full Breakdown
Dallas Code Chapter 51A treats agricultural uses through the A(A) Agricultural District, which allows farming, ranching, and crop production by-right on parcels typically at least three acres. Community gardens are allowed in most residential and mixed-use zones under Section 51A-4.203, generally requiring registration but no special-use permit. Urban farms with on-site sales need a specific use permit in residential districts and are by-right in commercial and industrial zones. Beekeeping is allowed citywide under Ch. 7 with hive-distance and registration rules. Chickens are permitted at limited densities on residential lots over half an acre, with rooster restrictions. Slaughter on residential property is prohibited. Roadside stands selling on-site produce are allowed.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unpermitted urban farm or agricultural use triggers Dallas Code Compliance enforcement under Ch. 51A: written notice, daily fines up to $2,000 per offense in municipal court, stop-work orders, and code-enforcement liens for repeat noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a community garden in Dallas?
Can I keep chickens at my Dallas home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas right to farm overview
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Agricultural Zoning Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle agricultural zoning protection.