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:
PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR ABANDONMENT, PLEASE SUBMIT ENGINEERING PLANS TO PDV ENGINEERING, 320 E. JEFFERSON BLVD., ROOM 200 OR engadmin@dallas.gov. OBTAIN WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM PDV-ENGINEERING [(WATER/WASTEWATER) AND (PAVING AND DRAINAGE)] TO PROCEED WITH ABANDONMENT REQUEST.
- 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;
- a non-refundable application fee of $5,000 and $75
recording fee payable to “City of Dallas” in the form of Cashier Check
or Money Order;
- written concurrence of all persons who own property abutting the area proposed to be abandoned - a consent letter and/or quitclaim deed may be required from all non-participating abutting owners;
- copies of recorded deeds showing current ownership of all property abutting the area proposed to be abandoned;
- a plat showing the proposed abandonment area;
- a traffic count may be required (streets open to traffic only); and
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.
If you would like to pursue an abandonment with the City of Dallas for the first time, you must make an appointment with a Real Estate Specialist, either in person or over the phone, to discuss the process in general and your project specifically. There is no charge for this consultation. Call (214) 948-4100 to make an appointment or for more information regarding the abandonment process.
Upon receipt of the request for an abandonment, a real estate specialist will be assigned to the project. Any questions concerning the project should be directed to the assigned specialist. Please direct all inquiries to the Department of Facilities and Real Estate Management at 320 East Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 203, Dallas, TX 75203 (214) 948-4100.
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)
- 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.
- All response forms sent to City departments, telecommunication and public utility companies are received by the Department of Facilities and Real Estate Management. Any denied responses could affect the authorization of the abandonment.
- Notice of proposed abandonment sent to owners within 300-feet' of proposed abandonment areas characterized as street/alley right-of-way or floodway management area.
- Metes and bounds description approved by the City Surveyor.
- The right-of-way to be abandoned is appraised by independent fee appraiser, as required. The applicant is required to pay the fee for the independent appraisal prior to the request being authorized to proceed.
- Draft ordinance is prepared by the Department of Facilities and Real Estate Management and sent to City Attorney's office for review.
- Proposed ordinance, "No Conflict of Interest" statement, Form 1295, 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. Fees due at this time must be submitted by either a cashier's check or wire transfer. The fee amount in the acceptance letter will be the greater of the minimum processing fee of $11,150.00 or the appraised value calculated in accordance with the Dallas City Code plus a $20 ordinance publication fee.
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.