Dallas County, TX Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Specific Plans Overview (2026)
Key Facts
- County zoning
- Not authorized in Texas
- Subdivision authority
- TX Local Gov Code 232
- Floodplain permits
- Required unincorporated
- City zoning
- Adopted independently
Summary
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.
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 dedicated to public use. ... (b) To be recorded, the plat must: (1) describe the subdivision by metes and bounds; (2) locate the subdivision with respect to an original corner of the original survey of which it is a part; and (3) state the dimensions of the subdivision and of each lot, street, alley, square, park, or other part of the tract intended to be dedicated to public use ...
Full Breakdown
Unlike home-rule cities, Texas counties lack general zoning authority. Dallas County Public Works Development Services reviews subdivision plats, drainage, road frontage, and septic systems in unincorporated portions under TX Local Government Code 232 and Health and Safety Code 366. There is no countywide zoning map, no specific plans, and no overlay districts. Land use is constrained primarily by deed restrictions and by city extraterritorial jurisdiction rules. The county does enforce floodplain development permits in unincorporated areas to maintain National Flood Insurance Program eligibility. Cities like Dallas and Plano adopt their own zoning and area plans.
Violations & Fines
Subdivision and floodplain violations may carry civil penalties up to 1,000 dollars per day under TX Local Government Code 232.005, plus injunctions to halt development until compliance. There is no zoning enforcement at the county level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Dallas County have zoning?
Where do I find land-use rules for my parcel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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