Summary

The yard, lot, and space requirements in Chapters 51 and 51A determine characteristics of a lot such as setbacks, size, and how much can be covered with buildings. The City Plan Commission asked Planning & Development Department to propose an amendment that would limit impervious coverage for both residential and nonresidential development in an effort to reduce the environmental impacts of stormwater runoff, such as flooding and the heat island effect.

Addressing this issue will also help to improve health equity in Dallas, as many disadvantaged areas and low-income communities are more prone to destructive flooding and the dangerously high temperatures allowed by less shade coverage.

On July 9, 2024, ZOAC recommended approval of this code amendment to the City Plan Commission.

Meetings

​DID YOU KNOW? Natural soil and plantings around your home's base can, when watered, help protect the integrity of your foundation.
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​Trees can... ...help stormwater infiltrate the ground at least 20 percent and as much as 60 percent, cleansing the water and returning it to groundwater naturally. ...reduce daytime temperatures by 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and even reduce night time temperatures up to 2 degrees Fahrenheit. ...clean air pollutants, including ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. (Just one large, healthy live oak tree alone can clean up to 5 pounds of pollution.)
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​Rain barrels can be a cost-effective way to store rain water for landscaping watering.
​ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-rain-barrels/
​Nature-based, green, vegetative stormwater infrastructure can be considerably more cost-effective than man-made, gray infrastructure.
​ ​  Google Maps
​ Smart Surfaces Guidebook (Smart Surfaces Coalition)
​ Smart Surfaces Guidebook (Smart Surfaces Coalition)
​ *All uncredited photos are from the Dallas Urban Forest Master Plan 2021.

Learn more

Texas Trees Foundation's

Dallas Urban Forest Master Plan

Study Contact

Senior Planner Lori Levy, AICP || Lori.Levy@Dallascityhall.com