Design and Construction Report staff writer
The City of Dallas has released Dallas Development Code Public Draft #1 as part of a zoning reform initiative. The draft is available at DallasZoningReform.com and marks the beginning of a citywide public engagement plan to gather feedback before Draft two is developed.
Dallas is updating its development code for the first time in more than 40 years to better address current housing, transportation, land use, and regulatory needs. The reform effort aims to create a simpler, clearer, and more user-friendly code that supports future growth while implementing the vision of ForwardDallas 2.0.
“Dallas Zoning Reform is an important conversation to have with our entire community because the decisions we make today will help shape the future of Dallas, for decades to come,” said Assistant City Manager Robin Bentley. “Through thoughtful planning and community engagement, we can build a city that is more connected, resilient, and responsive to the needs of current and future residents and businesses.”
Key goals include:
- Balancing neighborhood preservation with future growth.
- Expanding housing options and affordability.
- Increasing compatibility between new and existing development.
- Separating heavy industrial uses from residential areas.
- Simplifying mixed-use zoning to encourage walkable communities.
- Strengthening tree protections and sustainability standards.
- Improving design standards, safety, and walkability.
- Making the code easier to navigate and understand.
Residents, businesses, neighborhood groups, developers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft and provide input. Materials, including an executive summary and FAQs, are available online and at select Dallas libraries.
Public engagement opportunities include virtual Lunch and Learns, open houses across the city, workshops, online comments, and stakeholder presentations. Events begin November 18 and continue through January 2027.
The Dallas Zoning Reform work began in 2023 and has included technical analysis, public meetings, roundtables, and educational sessions. For more information, visit https://www.dallaszoningreform.com/.
