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.
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.
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.
Dallas County, TX
Dallas County Floodplain Management Regulations (Court Order 2019-0322) require a Floodplain Development Permit for any development in mapped flood zones. FE...
Dallas County, TX
No county building setback requirements. Texas counties cannot zone or impose setbacks. Only septic setbacks (TCEQ), floodplain regulations (Court Order 2019...
See how Dallas County's specific plans overview rules stack up against other locations.
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