Dallas Proposes Zoning Reform for More Homes
City planners want to allow more multi-family and mixed-use housing as the Dallas-Fort Worth area grows faster than any other U.S. region.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Remote Work
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Dallas city planners unveiled a plan to reform zoning rules so that more multi-family and mixed-use developments are permitted. The proposal also would allow smaller homes on smaller lots to align with a new state law.
Why it matters
The city is not capturing regional growth, and the reform is intended to expand where multi-unit housing can be built. Council members hold differing priorities on zoning updates, including affordability for younger residents and preserving neighborhood character.
ForwardDallas, approved in 2024, served only as a guidance document and did not alter zoning laws. The zoning changes remain under review with adoption anticipated in August 2027.
The players
Dallas City Council
The Dallas City Council is the governing legislative body of Dallas, Texas, responsible for approving zoning and land-use policy.
Chad West
Chad West is a member of the Dallas City Council who said the city needs to focus on expanding affordable options for younger residents.
Jesse Moreno
Jesse Moreno is chair of the Dallas City Council Economic Development Committee who has voiced concern over preserving neighborhood character during development.
The details
Planners proposed permitting smaller homes on smaller lots and expanding where multi-unit housing and mixed-use developments are allowed. The plan will go before the City Plan Commission on Thursday, and open houses for public feedback begin in December.
Timeline
2024: Dallas City Council approved the ForwardDallas guidance document.
Thursday: Plan presented to the City Plan Commission.
December: Public open houses for feedback begin.
August 2027: Planners anticipate adoption of the zoning changes.
Market Landscape
ForwardDallas was approved in 2024 as guidance only, and the new zoning proposal turns that framework into binding rules. The change is meant to keep pace with a Dallas-Fort Worth region that is set to surpass Chicago in population.
If adopted, the reform would make it easier to build multi-family and mixed-use housing and smaller homes on smaller lots across more of Dallas. Residents can weigh in at the December open houses before the zoning changes take shape.
The takeaway
Zoning rules determine what gets built, so public feedback during the upcoming open houses can shape how Dallas accommodates regional growth. Residents interested in housing supply should track the City Plan Commission schedule.
What happens next
The plan goes before the City Plan Commission on Thursday, public open houses begin in December, and planners anticipate zoning adoption in August 2027.
Further reading
For more on how housing and work patterns are shifting, see Remote Work coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
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Should Dallas allow more apartments and duplexes in single-family neighborhoods?
