Scope and Content

The Civil and Criminal Ordinances passed by the Dallas City Council are codified as Dallas City Code.  The additions and modifications reflected in the code give a historical view of the changes in the laws of the community.

In 1964, Dallas City Council signed into effect the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Map Delineating the Various Use Districts.  This information came to be known as Chapter 51A, and the purpose of it was to encourage the sound, long-range development of the city and to promote the public health, safety, and welfare.  It set forth policies to govern the future physical development of the city and served as a guide to all future city council action concerning land use and development regulations, urban conservation and rehabilitation programs, and expenditures for capital improvements. 

Furthermore, Chapter 51A was aimed at lessening the congestion in the streets;  securing safety from fire, panic and other dangers; providing adequate light and air; preventing the overcrowding of land, avoiding undue concentration of population; and  facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements.  Consideration was given to the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for the particular uses specified and to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the City. 

Chapter 51A divided the City of Dallas into twenty-eight zoning districts which were then further subdivided into sub-districts, as appropriate.  The twenty-eight districts are notated on the maps of this collection using the following information: