Setback Requirements — Dallas, TX
Governed by Sec. 51A-4.203(b). Last verified May 31, 2026.
Front Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Yard Setback Exception Porches | Unenclosed porch may project 8 feet into front setback | Provided the porch does not exceed 6 feet in height | Sec. 51A-4.210 |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 25 feet | Single-family residential (SF-6 or smaller lots), measured from front property line Exception: Reduced to 15 feet if average existing setback on the block face is less than 25 feet | Sec. 51A-4.201 |
Rear Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 20 feet | Single-family residential, measured from rear property line | Sec. 51A-4.203 |
| Rear Yard Setback Exception Alley | If lot abuts an alley, rear setback is measured from alley centerline, not property line | — | Sec. 51A-4.203(a) |
Side Yard
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Side Yard Combined | 15 feet | Single-family residential, interior lots | Sec. 51A-4.202 |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback Each | 5 feet | Single-family residential, interior lots | Sec. 51A-4.202 |
Corner Lot
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Front Yard Setback Secondary Street | 25 feet | Corner lots in single-family residential zones, second front yard | Sec. 51A-4.201 |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback Street Side | 10 feet | Corner lots in single-family residential zones, on the street-facing side | Sec. 51A-4.202(b)(2) |
accessory_structure
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Yard Setback Accessory Structure | 5 feet | Accessory structures not exceeding 10 feet in height Exception: Must be in rear yard only; no closer than 5 feet to alley or rear property line | Sec. 51A-4.203(b) |
| Side Yard Setback Accessory Structure | 5 feet | Accessory structures not exceeding 10 feet in height | Sec. 51A-4.203(b) |
garage_carport
| Requirement | Value | Conditions / Exceptions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage Entry Setback From Front Property Line | 20 feet | Garage door facing the street Exception: 10 feet if alley-loaded | Sec. 51A-4.201(c) |
Official Code Language (11 sections)
An accessory structure may be located within five (5) feet of the rear property line, provided it complies with other applicable provisions (Sec. 51A-4.203(b)).
An accessory structure may be located within five (5) feet of the side property line (Sec. 51A-4.203(b)).
On a corner lot, the front yard on the secondary street shall comply with the same twenty-five (25) foot setback as the primary front yard (Sec. 51A-4.201).
On a corner lot, the side yard abutting a street shall have a minimum depth of ten (10) feet (Sec. 51A-4.202(b)(2)).
An unenclosed porch may project up to eight (8) feet into the required front yard setback (Sec. 51A-4.210).
No building or structure shall be erected nearer to the front property line than twenty-five (25) feet, as specified in Sec. 51A-4.201.
The garage entry (door) facing the front street shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet from the front property line (Sec. 51A-4.201(c)).
No main building shall be erected nearer than twenty (20) feet to the rear property line (Sec. 51A-4.203).
If the lot abuts an alley, the required rear yard setback shall be measured from the centerline of the alley rather than the rear property line (Sec. 51A-4.203(a)).
The total width of both side yards together shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet (Sec. 51A-4.202).
Every side yard shall have a minimum depth of five (5) feet, except as otherwise provided in this article (Sec. 51A-4.202).
Permit Requirements
- When required
- Any new construction, addition, or relocation of a structure requires a building permit. Setback variances require a Board of Adjustment special exception permit.
- Fee
- — Fees vary by scope; see Dallas Development Code fee schedule.
- Processing time
- Typical building permit review: 10-15 business days; variance hearing: scheduled 4-6 weeks from application
- Where to apply
- Dallas Department of Building Inspection (Development Services)
- Site plan showing dimensions and setback distances
- Survey (current, sealed by a registered surveyor)
- Floor plan and elevation drawings
- Completed building permit application (form DS-1)
- Proof of property ownership or owner authorization
- Any required tree survey if within DART/Fire zones
Verified May 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
I want to build a detached garage in my backyard. How close can it be to the rear property line?
You can place a detached garage (accessory structure) as close as 5 feet from the rear property line, per Sec. 51A-4.203(b). But if you have an alley, the 5-foot setback is measured from the alley centerline instead.
I live on a corner lot. How far does my house need to be from the side street?
On a corner lot, the side yard that faces the side street counts as a front yard. You must maintain a 10-foot setback from that side property line (Sec. 51A-4.202(b)(2)), and also a 25-foot setback from the other street (the primary front yard) per Sec. 51A-4.201.
Can I build a screened porch that sticks out further than my house's front setback?
Yes, but only if the porch is unenclosed (no walls or screens that fully enclose it). An unenclosed porch can project up to 8 feet into the required 25-foot front setback, per Sec. 51A-4.210. That means your porch can be as close as 17 feet from the front property line.
My lot is 50 feet wide. Can I build a house that is 5 feet from each side?
No, because the combined side yards must be at least 15 feet total (Sec. 51A-4.202). If you put the house 5 feet from one side, you would need 10 feet on the other side to reach 15 total. With a 50-foot lot, you could go 5 feet on one side and 10 on the other, leaving 35 feet for the house.
Sources
- Sec. 51A-4.203(b)
- Sec. 51A-4.201
- Sec. 51A-4.202(b)(2)
- Sec. 51A-4.210
- Sec. 51A-4.201(c)
- Sec. 51A-4.203
- Sec. 51A-4.203(a)
- Sec. 51A-4.202
Data last verified: May 31, 2026
See how this works nationally: Setback Requirements Explained
This is an informational summary, not legal advice. Verify current requirements with Dallas Planning Department .
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