Should Perry Heights consider Conservation District status?
Come to the Perry Heights Association Annual Meeting to learn more and weigh in
Conservation Districts are zoning tools designed to help communities preserve specific characteristics of their neighborhoods.
In 2006, Rawlins Street residents in the 4300 – 4500 blocks gained approval from the City of Dallas to establish the Rawlins Street Conservation District to help maintain the historical character of the Rawlins Street homes. Through city ordinance, it specifies several standards for maintaining or amending existing homes. It is one of 16 Conservation Districts in the City of Dallas.
The Dallas City Council last year adopted ForwardDallas 2.0 as the City’s future land-use roadmap. While it did not directly amend current zoning regulations, the provisions of ForwardDallas 2.0 call for steps to be taken in the years ahead to increase density throughout the City by building more affordable housing options and thus increasing the City’s overall tax base.
How could Perry Heights be impacted? Future developers can now point to ForwardDallas 2.0 and its desire to increase density as an argument for zoning variances to build multiplex townhomes in neighborhoods that have historically consisted of single-family homes.
At the Association’s March 26 meeting, Perry Heights residents will have an opportunity to hear from Donovan Westover from the Stevens Park community in North Oak Cliff that is establishing a new Conservation District to help maintain the historical integrity of their neighborhood. He will explain the types of Conservation Districts, the approval process, the benefits and what to expect when discussing this option with the community.
A vote will follow to determine whether Perry Heights should begin a discussion about the merits of a Conservation District. If endorsed by the members at the Annual Meeting, a plan will be developed to seek neighbor input, explore options and build consensus. This would be the first step in a long process, likely 18-24 months, that would ultimately require City Council approval.
Please attend the March 26 meeting to be a part of the discussion!
Here is the link to Rawlin’s Conservation District that the city references as code inspectors: