Dallas Zoning Reform Draft #1: What It Means for Land and Owners

The City of Dallas released Development Code Public Draft #1 on Nov. 5, 2026, the first public draft of a rewritten development code. I read the City's announcement so you do not have to start from scratch.

What the City says

The Planning and Development Department, working with Camiros, Ltd., briefed the City Plan Commission on key elements of Draft #1 the same day. The City says the code has not had a comprehensive update in more than 40 years, and that overlays, planned development districts and other layers have made it complex.

Draft #1 uses a more streamlined format meant to make rules easier to find and apply for residents, businesses, developers and staff. It incorporates the vision from ForwardDallas 2.0, the City's comprehensive land use policy.

The stated goals

The City describes goals that include protecting neighborhood character while accommodating future needs, expanding housing opportunities and choice while keeping new development compatible with surrounding neighborhoods, separating new heavy industrial land uses from residential zoning districts, and simplifying mixed-use zoning to support walkable neighborhoods, commercial corridors and redevelopment. It also lists strengthening the urban tree canopy through tree protections and landscaping standards, and design standards that prioritize safety and walkability.

Why it matters for land and owners

I work with land buyers, investors and builders, and zoning is where value gets set. If you hold a parcel in Dallas, or are underwriting one, the draft could change what is permitted. I cannot tell you how it will land on a specific lot until it is read against that parcel, and nothing here is legal advice. A land use attorney can help interpret the code for a particular property.

How to take part

The City says comments received in this phase will inform Draft #2. Upcoming dates listed include virtual Lunch & Learn sessions on Nov. 18, Dec. 7 and Jan. 8, a Neighborhood Summit panel on Nov. 20, and in-person open houses from Dec. 14 through Jan. 14 at locations across the city. The draft, executive summary and FAQs are at DallasZoningReform.com.

The takeaway

Read the draft for any property you own or are considering, and send your questions in early. If you want a second set of eyes on a parcel, reach out.

Source: City of Dallas newsroom, dallascitynews.net/dallas-zoning-reform-development-code-draft-1-is-now-available-for-public-review.