Zoning

Dallas Could Follow Austin in Reducing Minimum Lot Size to Accommodate More Housing

By April Towery / November 9, 2023 /

The City of Austin recently approved a measure that reduces the residential minimum lot size to 2,500 square feet, making way for smaller units and greater density. Could such a change be an answer to Dallas’ affordable housing crisis? A handful of Dallas City Council members say they want to discuss its merits.  District 1 Councilman Chad…

South Polk Street Homeless Veterans’ Rezoning Case Deferred to January

By April Towery / November 9, 2023 /

The Dallas City Council on Wednesday deferred a rezoning decision on a  multifamily development for homeless veterans that has been operating under the radar in a single-family neighborhood on South Polk Street for eight years.  A code complaint was filed by a neighbor over the summer, prompting operators of the “dwelling unit” to request a…

Fort Worth Residents Ask Zoning Panel to Pump Brakes on New Build-to-Rent Housing

By April Towery / October 19, 2023 /

A proposed 79-acre development would bring 300 new build-to-rent homes to Fort Worth’s Willow Springs Drive, but residents say they’re concerned about traffic impacts.  It was clear during a brief hearing before the Fort Worth Zoning Commission on Oct. 11 that developer Jack Dyer wanted more time to discuss his plans with adjacent property owners.…

Former City Planner Criticizes $2 Million Expense to Overhaul Dallas Zoning Code: ‘It’s Not Enough’

By April Towery / June 26, 2023 /

A former Dallas city planner came out swinging last week at a $2 million consulting contract to overhaul the city’s zoning code. Properly-executed code rewrites cost up to $25 million, District 14 resident and former Dallas planner LaKisha Girder told the City Council at a June 14 meeting. A halfhearted, piecemeal approach won’t work when…

Will Dallas Ban, Regulate, or Restrict? Residential Short-Term Rentals Decision Expected Wednesday

By April Towery / June 13, 2023 /

As a three-hour briefing on short-term rentals concluded last week, Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax promised that staff would issue a professional recommendation — a measure several council members said wasn’t necessary ahead of a June 14 vote.  We’ve got the memo, published below in its entirety.  But first, here’s what could go down at…