[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6577747,"mediaKeyId","3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20","parentId",3100385,"title","Dallas amends building and residential codes to allow 1–8 family dwellings under residential rules, aiming to spur small-scale housing","audioSeconds",603,"startMs",6998000,"endMs",7601000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20&start=6998&end=7601","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20/thumbnail_6998000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6577747/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Dallas-amends-building-and-residential-codes-to-allow-18-family-dwellings-under-residential-rules-aiming-to-spur-small-scale-housing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577747-58ba9bd4afa2d1be67a25a6d9b711c3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439019&Signature=JR1VZJpn9ZWmlSMw4YZotjf4Urq50UHQijjWrvpPMLLi6pvJ~wfgiTOQfoRJTljmmhxTQe0MVlm0Nd1zUyW6opsUOD650fENV57xWdO7ZQpSzpcdgLS6fwc8kClCWzEu57LFjkx5BbAE57xHQ5OsADPRy-rXBfjOoBDznhE98snrovtyvqpPvi8qETuZYkyCmp2vpecrH6i7CVFk-NVu0RDd4l3Xc3W5-vXHsPGHBd-t6aVR9ZVwwqsMP0G5Fq3mC6~2mOIl0QoCT~uZL~xB-n~iNhiHn3385Ab44QLDFBcLIcn-ZipXIVCVHewNU0L1FalHzJAn~6NaGiN7wI74xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dallas","date","2025-04-23T00:00:00Z","article","The Dallas City Council voted on April 23 to amend chapters of the city’s construction and residential codes to allow structures with up to eight dwelling units to be considered residential for permitting purposes, an update city staff said will help streamline small-scale multifamily and infill housing development.

The ordinance package (PH1) changes multiple chapters of the Dallas City Code, renames the Dallas 1-and-2-family dwelling code to the Dallas 1-to-8-family dwelling code and adjusts administrative provisions across building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical chapters so that smaller multifamily buildings can proceed under a residential code path rather than the more complex commercial multifamily rules.

Supporters — including city staff, the Dallas Builders Association and the American Institute of Architects Dallas chapter — said the change reduces regulatory cost and complexity for small, neighborhood-scale infill projects and will help produce attainable housing at a scale that better fits many established neighborhoods.

Dallas Fire-Rescue officials, represented by Section Chief Dwight Freeman, told council the department supported the ordinance’s overall approach but emphasized the fire marshal’s preference for sprinkler protection when feasible. Freeman said the package includes passive protections — rated corridors and rated assemblies — and that the city’s approach preserves key fire-safety elements while enabling the code reform.

Council members who sponsored and supported the measure said the existing code treated a small four-unit building the same as a 200-unit apartment complex, driving construction costs and discouraging smaller projects. Backers noted letters of support from AIA Dallas and the Greater Dallas Planning Council and commended staff for months of technical work.

The ordinance was adopted unanimously; staff and external stakeholders said implementation will include a transition and training period for permit reviewers and developers.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dallas - City Council Agenda Meetings - Apr 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Dallas City Council on April 23 adopted code amendments that let structures of up to eight dwelling units be treated as residential under the city’s building and residential codes, a move officials said is intended to lower barriers for small-scale housing and neighborhood infill.","taxTitle","Dallas, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2781,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577756,"Dallas council waives local PID petition thresholds for Redbird and Far East Dallas initiatives, opens policy debate on alignment with state law",470,3319000,3789000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20&start=3319&end=3789","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20/thumbnail_3319000.jpg","/articles/6577756/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Dallas-council-waives-local-PID-petition-thresholds-for-Redbird-and-Far-East-Dallas-initiatives-opens-policy-debate-on-alignment-with-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577756-c066fdc474b80d225177ad5451aba675/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439019&Signature=SDtdN301Z6yxUxE1FWgMn~na2dFibFESerlHLQMp0PscNyK50u4iHNkYYbYrsN9Z~9YgpPQG0VoWjxpBh5eURgli0tKmwaHrUC53xUtnZQN~deSomDB2TgiYqNe9KirEjIgheKEC~V9rZYHiexAOkXANFBSkgQ~s3r7Tm9DakXKwBYyO6QElnMStp6r3K9OW6LJS0r8016OkXRxA55ho6sy34wOrEoXOT7peEL-08Aqx9uvLtcfHw6geHDW5i8L9LxBE1r0-AWXaorOE~3qBVz9J0D6C8gZm4CxFGhHOmtL5D~lY5AWe0miQf6oHn9BXLZhmph9nHHelCxHgQbMX3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dallas City Council on April 23 approved two separate resolutions waiving the city's 60% petition thresholds for the creation of public improvement districts (PIDs) and deemed petitions for the Redbird and Far East Dallas PIDs sufficient for next steps despite both falling below that local threshold.

City staff told the council the Redbird petition reached roughly 54.7% of assessed value and 54.5% of land area; the Far East Dallas petition represented about 55.3% of assessed value and 52.3% of the land area. Under the city's PID policy, staff said the local threshold is 60% of value and area; state law requires a lower 50% threshold.

Councilmembers who spoke in favor of the waivers said the petitions were close to the city's threshold, represented substantial neighborhood organizing and that the waivers would allow economic-development tools to move forward in areas where property owners were slower to engage. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tinel Atkins and several councilmembers said the additional outreach required to reach 60% can be especially challenging when many property owners are out of state or represented by agents who do not respond promptly.

Council members also urged a broader policy review. Several said Dallas should consider aligning the local rule with the state statutory threshold of 50% to reduce inequities that make PIDs harder to form in under-resourced neighborhoods. Council member comments cited past precedent; staff said the Fair Park PID in 2016 also proceeded after council authorized a waiver when petition percentages were in the mid-50s.

Maria Smith, assistant director in the Office of Economic Development, provided the petition statistics and told council staff were presenting facts rather than recommending action. Speakers representing community groups and advocacy organizations said the waivers would help bring targeted patrols, beautification and other services to corridors where homeowners’ associations and local funding streams are limited.

Both waiver resolutions were approved by the council in separate votes. Councilmembers said they expect the petitions to move forward now that the council has deemed them sufficient under the city’s PID policy.

Councilmembers and staff said they will also continue conversations in committee about a possible formal policy change to lower the city’s petition threshold to more closely match state statute.

Votes: Council approved the waiver for the Redbird PID (Agenda item 47) and the waiver for the Far East Dallas PID (Agenda item 48).","The City Council on April 23 waived the city's 60% petition thresholds to allow two proposed public improvement districts — Redbird and Far East Dallas — to move forward despite both falling short of the local requirement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577761,"Dallas introduces and affirms new police and fire chiefs; leaders pledge focus on trust, recruitment and modernization",452,264000,716000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20&start=264&end=716","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20/thumbnail_264000.jpg","/articles/6577761/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Dallas-introduces-and-affirms-new-police-and-fire-chiefs-leaders-pledge-focus-on-trust-recruitment-and-modernization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577761-b404fcba6bbe4a8e6b915316e17fe3c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439019&Signature=Hlr5HuJOXHmWia6~vVGxs5X~HsVk61KYEWLBFJ01Wo3lPc8CMiS878Z~j~75N-tQe-HdI-Dz~DFxqMeTCwb0f0UQO3GMRglfiMHkkjGlctTxtJ8UcFZiqA98-sJcL9OMDXNWCED8T1ZGcSDo0LsYoeN6Prx4ivt9BLXZTieYiuYCUxq6YSF-zZW9tTIMhYMacZfjtriwa7w~vLdkB4f-3ODhOqrp69bKnoVjDIbgpIhpCj4zkGHossEpCZeFB-BOwlRZRp5vgKDjsP8Bw3f70NpihaXLtILZLwQIjoG~Q4wNTB6BdTL1lGjpug~LBQeHa6vh9qx0ymop24-Tqoq8rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dallas City Manager Kimberly Beiser Tolbert formally introduced Justin Ball as chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue and Daniel Como as Dallas Police chief during the Dallas City Council meeting on April 23, saying both leaders’ appointments were effective immediately and that Billy Ray Johnson, the city secretary, had administered the oaths earlier that morning.

The announcement came at the start of the meeting. Tolbert called public safety “the cornerstone” of city government and said both chiefs bring operational experience and stated priorities the city expects from its public-safety leadership.

Chief Justin Ball, the city’s new Dallas Fire-Rescue chief, told the council his “job is to support them, watch over them, and make sure they’re safe,” referring to the department’s firefighters and emergency personnel. Ball said he will push for data-driven service delivery, enhanced emergency medical care and cross-agency collaboration. He thanked the city manager and interim leaders who assisted during his transition.

Chief Daniel Como, sworn in the same morning and introduced by Tolbert as having over three decades in law enforcement, said he is “excited to be here” and pledged to prioritize residents’ safety and to work with councilmembers. Como described his background in the Drug Enforcement Administration and prior local law enforcement and said he will emphasize recruitment, retention, trust and transparency.

Mayor Eric L. Johnson and multiple councilmembers offered public support for the two chiefs at the meeting, saying they look forward to working with them as the city continues investments in public safety.

Tolbert told the council a formal, public swearing-in ceremony for both chiefs is planned for a joint event in early May; council members and the public will receive invitations.

The introductions were ceremonial; the city manager said the appointments are effective immediately and the chiefs will appear before the council again as their administrations move forward.","Dallas City Manager Kimberly Beiser Tolbert introduced Justin Ball as Dallas Fire Rescue chief and Daniel Como as Dallas Police chief on April 23; both were sworn that morning by City Secretary Billy Ray Johnson. Chiefs told council they will prioritize officer and firefighter safety, recruitment and community trust.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577751,"Council approves PFC lease for mixed-income project at 5550 LBJ after divided debate over tax foregone and affordability",2783,4863000,7646000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20&start=4863&end=7646","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3100385-e46c47f4ac6841f89df3db9d91187d20/thumbnail_4863000.jpg","/articles/6577751/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-approves-PFC-lease-for-mixed-income-project-at-5550-LBJ-after-divided-debate-over-tax-foregone-and-affordability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577751-0f2367e67958057bfaae1e7641168c6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439019&Signature=HhlQ0njUagcaIT8Cazv4esBVrEaxXTYlrUfQDeWCWu5SQAVZxw2Lr2FXEOZ-HJ~S8PDt9nrZTLDZavu6~QKh0IBXM0ICnlt3ckIsIfRz8ksogi4kFoSrHbrCrld1CRn~wGudS4ASfD5Twwc8ZmYCzyyAFHEEWVA1~z5QzjBb0CSPozNtvJX-pOtp~sWaY~RNIy4Iu-MwhjP9tqFBN61875xqA2zm0bw3~QdRgk9YT4Tf-UVTZHEhdRdm-w3NBabBYgr3~PqUBx4ZiAb5JzhJBKUdV-3cnxS7rHWKXIMHv1oHMyEXhvz8zu1rP5JQ1rr123D1bBEeStn7XOyQ0r8Eeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dallas City Council approved a resolution on April 23 authorizing the Dallas Public Facility Corporation to acquire, develop and own the property at 5550 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway and to enter a 75-year lease with High Street Residential (or an affiliate) for a mixed-income multifamily project.

City staff and the applicant described the project as adaptive reuse of vacant office buildings into multifamily housing intended to provide mixed-income units in the International District near the Galleria and LBJ Freeway. Staff said the project’s allocation of affordable units will total roughly half of the development: 40% of units targeted at 80% area median income (AMI) and additional units moved into lower AMI tiers so that 50% of units will meet affordability requirements overall. The housing department’s project review produced a public-benefit score in the mid-70s (staff cited 76%) and staff reported rental-savings estimates that contributed to that public-benefit calculation.

Council debate was lengthy and divided. Councilmember Kara Mendelson publicly opposed the deal at the dais, citing estimated foregone tax revenue the agenda listed at about $170 million over the duration of the incentive and concerns about privileging areas near the Galleria that already attract private investment. Several councilmembers pushed back, arguing the project will add mixed-income housing in a high-opportunity area, reduce commutes and help meet the city’s housing goals. Supporters said PFC and HFC tools have delivered the majority of new affordable units in recent years and highlighted the project’s public-benefit metrics.

Housing staff said the project deviates from standard affordability bands by adding deeper affordability: the applicant agreed to move 5% of units down from the 60% to the 50% AMI band to increase lower-income access. Staff described the project as a “catalyst” for more mixed-income development in the International District.

Speakers for and against the resolution included the applicant’s representative, Trammell Crow Company (Kevin Hickman), housing department staff who described affordability and underwriting details, and many council members. Questions from the council addressed the public-benefit score, market rents in the submarket, and whether the city should prioritize similarly sized incentives in southern neighborhoods.

After debate the council adopted the item. Councilmembers who opposed it stated their votes were on record. The action allows the PFC process to proceed under the terms presented to council and authorizes staff to finalize required agreements.

Action details: The council approved the Dallas Public Facility Corporation acquisition and 75-year lease for 5550 LBJ to support mixed-income housing (agenda item 24). Staff reported a public-benefit score of about 76% and described the affordability mix of the approved deal.","The council authorized the Dallas Public Facility Corporation to acquire and lease 5550 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway to a developer for a mixed-income multifamily project with half the units designated at affordable levels. The vote followed extended debate over the value of incentives, foregone tax revenue and geography of subsidy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Dallas amends building and residential codes to allow 1–8 family dwellings under residential rules, aiming to spur small-scale housing

Dallas council waives local PID petition thresholds for Redbird and Far East Dallas initiatives, opens policy debate on alignment with state law

Dallas introduces and affirms new police and fire chiefs; leaders pledge focus on trust, recruitment and modernization

Council approves PFC lease for mixed-income project at 5550 LBJ after divided debate over tax foregone and affordability