‘Built by the community.’ City council approves major South Dallas zoning reform.

Written by Dallas Documenter Jacob Reyes

Dallas City Council approved a set of major zoning changes on Wednesday that aim to protect and grow South Dallas, completing years of staff and community efforts.

The updated South Dallas/Fair Park Special Purpose District, or PD 595, now determines zoning for more than 3,000 acres in the area.

The changes come after years of city staff work, a COVID-19 delay and dozens of community meetings, and aim to revitalize economic growth in South Dallas while protecting neighbors from displacement, especially combating “grossly incompatible” housing that has popped up next to older homes.

At the Wednesday city council meeting, South Dallas residents spoke in favor of the zoning change and showed appreciation for the attention to historic preservation and housing opportunities.

District 7 Councilmember Adam Bazaldua was emotional as he introduced the item, calling it one of the most important votes he’s ever cast as a member of the Dallas City Council.

“This was not a process that was built for the community,” Bazaldua said. “This was a process built by the community.”

He added that despite delays like the COVID-19 pandemic, South Dallas residents remained committed to seeing this zoning project through. 

“Through countless meetings, workshops, conversations and public meetings, residents told us what they wanted to see: Walkable corridors, neighborhood-serving businesses, better connections to transit, housing options, preservation of historic neighborhoods and development that reflects the character and the values of South Dallas,” Bazaldua said. “Today, we are making the community’s vision a reality.”

For too long, neighborhoods have been told to choose between preservation and development. Now, South Dallas can have both, Bazaldua said.

South Dallas leaders who spoke in favor of the item said the next step is ensuring the zoning changes are consistently applied and enforced.

“I sincerely feel that these zoning changes represent a significant step forward for both the present and future of the South Dallas Fair Park community,” said Diane Ragsdale, a former city council member who helped create the original PD 595. “To maximize the plan’s success, however, I strongly recommend establishing a dedicated implementation entity and identifying a reliable funding source to coordinate efforts, facilitate projects and to ensure the successful realization of the plan’s goals and vision.”

Watch the 6/10 City Council meeting here.