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 An abandonment is a process that allows an owner adjacent to City of Dallas-owned rights-of-way (streets/alleys) or easements to abandon or “purchase” the property for private use.

Who May Apply for Abandonments?

A property owner whose property abuts a public right-of-way may apply to the city for the abandonment, in whole or in part, of the abutting right-of-way. Fees will be charged in accordance with the City Code. The request consists of the following items:

1. a letter from the owner(s) requesting abandonment and stating the following: details of proposed use; whether property is vacant or improved, if improved, what type of building; number of jobs, if any, to be created by project; project start date, project end date; and pending actions with other city departments, such as other divisions of Development Services and Public Works;
2. a non-refundable application fee of $4,595 and $75 recording fee payable to “City of Dallas” in the form of Cashier Check or Money Order.  A personal or business check will not be accepted for the recording fee​;
3. a check for the appraisal fee in the amount of $2,500 is required for certain street, alley and storm water management area abandonments;
4. written concurrence of all persons who own property abutting the area proposed to be abandoned - Quitclaim Deeds will be required from all non-participating abutting owners;
5. copies of recorded deeds showing current ownership of all property abutting the area proposed to be abandoned;
6. a plat showing the proposed abandonment area;
7. a traffic count may be required (streets open to traffic only); and
8. three original copies of a metes and bounds description of the area proposed to be abandoned along with conceptual drawings, sketched plans or a program plan as applicable​. ALL METES AND BOUNDS DESCRIPTIONS MUST BE SIGNED BY A REGISTERED SURVEYOR AND STRICTLY ADHERE TO WRITTEN SURVEY GUIDELINES.

Abandonment requests must not make another property non-conforming as to fire code requirements and all existing structures and future development must comply with applicable Building and Fire Codes.

​For a printable checklist, click here.  Para español , haga clic aqui​.

Typical Steps Required to Process an Abandonment Request (if complete)

1. Applicant's request is reviewed, file established, and response forms sent to City departments, public utility companies and telecommunication franchisees affected by the proposed request. (2 days).
2. All response forms sent to City departments, telecommunication and public utility companies are received by the Department of Public Works, Real Estate (15 days).
3. Notice of proposed abandonment sent to the mayor and members of the city council and owners within 300' of proposed abandonment area (concurrently 10 days).
4. Summary of responses prepared (2 days).
5. Metes and bounds description approved by the City Surveyor (15 days).
6. The right-of-way to be abandoned is appraised by independent fee appraiser, as required. The applicant is required to pay a standard fee for the independent appraisal in the amount of $2,500 - any excess will be applied to the abandonment fee (2 weeks).
7. Draft ordinance is prepared by the Department of Public Works, Real Estate and sent to City Attorney's office (10 days).
8. Ordinance is reviewed and approved by City Attorney's office (2 weeks).
9. Proposed ordinance, "No Conflict of Interest" statement, any required dedication instrument and Acceptance letter are sent to applicant for review and approval. Applicant must return signed Acceptance letter, and the other documents along with the fee requested prior to scheduling for Council action (1-3 weeks). Checks due at this time must be either a cashiers or certified check.
   The fee amount in the acceptance letter will be the greater of the minimum processing fee of $7,800 or the appraised value calculated in accordance with the City Code plus a $20 ordinance publication fee.
   
10. Proposed ordinance delivered to agenda coordinator for Council action (Cutoff for an agenda is 23 days prior to next available council date).

ALL TAXES OWED and ALL OUTSTANDING CODE VIOLATIONS must be paid or resolved by Applicant prior to scheduling an item for Council action.

This procedural outline details only the steps required for the completion of a routine request. At each step problems can be encountered that delay or terminate the process.

For additional information, please contact: (214) 948-4100, Fax (214) 948-4083 or (214) 948-4118.​