​​​Zoning Change Process​

The information below will guide and equip users with tools to navigate the Zoning change process.

Zoning changes occur when an ​individual ​property owner requests the city to change the zoning laws that govern their property.  The information below will provide guidance and tools for navigating this process for property owners requesting the change and adjacent property owners. 

ZONING CHANGE PRO​CESS

Step 1: Staff Review --->  Step 2: City Plan Commission (CPC) Public Hearing ---> Step 3: City Council Public Hearing


​The timeline outlined above is a general description of the process, however, reversions to prior phases are common. The applicant and their representative are repeatedly encouraged to communicate with surrounding property owners from the beginning of this process. It is also highly recommended that the community also engage with the applicant's representative to allow the applicant to hear feedback and respond to concerns that arise from the community.  


HOW TO FIND INFORMATION

​Detailed information and the application materials can be viewed in DallasNow by entering the case number (Z-25-000___) in the search bar.  Learn more about DallasNow here​. Directly access DallasNow here. ​​

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SUBMITTAL

​STEP 1:  
  • A property owner or their authorized agent applies to the City of Dallas Planning & Development Department via DallasNow. 
  • Once the application materials meet all minimum legal requirements, the application fee is paid. Upon payment of the fees, the applicant is given signs to post on the property.
STEP 2: 
Staff Review (this entire process can take 1-2 months)

  • A Case Planner is assigned to the case. ​
  • ​The Case Planner will advise the applicant to  engage with the appointed City Plan Commissioner and the surrounding community. 
  • The Case Planner will research the application materials; perform a site visit; collect feedback from other departments; inform the applicant of the staff’s preliminary recommendations, and address any pending deficiencies or changes. 
  • Once all required information has been provided and the applicant has completed revisions, the case may proceed to the City Plan Commission (CPC)
STEP 3: 
  • ​Notifications are sent. Notifications are required by state and local laws. Notifications includes local newspaper and mailed notices to surrounding property owners. Notifications include the date and time of the CPC Public Hearing, property address and case number. 
  • A case report is generated and finalized. The case report  can be viewed in the CPC docket and DallasNow. ​ 

City Plan Commission 

The City Plan Commission (CPC) hears and makes recommendations to Dallas City Council for all zoning change cases.  CPC meetings are held on Thursdays.  Learn more by visiting the CPC meetings webpage.

  • On the morning, the Briefing is held.  City staff briefs or provides information to the City Plan Commissioners about upcoming cases. At the Briefing is a designated time for the only the Commissioners and City staff discuss the cases. Staff presentations are public and can be found on the CPC meetings w​ebpage. 
  • In the afternoon, the Public Hearing is held. The Public Hearing provides a designated time the public to provide comments to the Commissioners. After public comments are heard, the CPC deliberates and votes on a motion. Learn more about CPC outcomes and motions here. For additional information about the Public Hearing including: how to engage, what to listen for and tips for participating, visit CPC meetings webpage. The public can provide comments in three ways:
    • ​Use the comment form. Access CPC comment form.
    • Speak at the CPC Hearing. If speaking online, registration is required by 3pm, the prior day. In-person speakers are not required to register, but it is encouraged. Learn more about speaking at a CPC meeting.
    • ​Email the City Plan Commissioner(s). Find the list of Commissioners here.

Council Hearing (Final phase)

Zoning cases are normally placed on the next available City Council agenda, approximately a month after CPC. 

  • Notifications are sent prior to Council Public Hearings. Notifications are posted in Dallas Morning News and also mailed notices to surrounding property owners. Notifications include the date and time of the Council Public Hearing, property address and case number. The finalized case report and materials can be viewed on the City Council docket and DallasNow. 
  • Zoning items are NOT briefed to City Council in the mornings. Zoning items are discussed at the Council Public Hearing in the afternoon. Council meetings normally  begin at 1 PM, but may be delayed. It is best to check City Secretary's website for meeting for information, including speaker registration and procedures.