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.
Richardson, TX
Richardson's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) establishes building setbacks by zoning district. Typical residential setbacks include minimum front...
Richardson, TX
Richardson Code Chapter 9 (Floodplain Management) regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance...
See how Richardson's specific plans overview rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.