City Hall News

Dallas takes first steps to simplify its obsolete Zoning process

Here's to better zoning.

Photo by Henry Becerra on Unsplash

Dallas is simplifying its zoning process and inviting the public to offer its input: The Dallas Zoning Reform effort is an initiative to modernize the Dallas Development Code, last updated in 1965.

Zoning controls how the city develops by regulating land use, building placement and size, parking requirements, landscaping standards, sign regulations, and the like.

These rules determine how cities grow and evolve — directly shaping the physical character of a city, and impacting everything from housing availability and transportation patterns to economic development and environmental sustainability.

Things have changed a lot since 1965 but the zoning process has not.

The Planning & Department is being assisted in the revamp by Camiros, an urban planning firm based in Chicago.

Dallas' deputy director of planning & development Andreea Udrea says that their goal is to make the process easier to navigate. (That's not a typo, she has two EEs in her name.)

“Over the years, with numerous small changes here and there, our development code has become very complicated," Udrea says. "We are seeing how it affects development with each zoning case and new Planned Development District we create. The Dallas Zoning Reform will help us establish a Development Code that is simple, clear and future ready."

"This reform is about … removing unnecessary regulatory hurdles and providing clarity and predictability," Udrea says.

The city is hosting public meetings designed to explain the zoning reform process and gather community input.

Meeting dates are as follows:

Thursday, June 12, 6-7:30 pm — West Dallas Multipurpose Center, 2828 Fish Trap Rd.
Friday, June 13, 12-1:30 pm — J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St.
Tuesday, June 24, 6-7:30 pm — Cedar Crest Golf Course 1800 Southerland Ave.
Wednesday, June 25, 6-7:30 pm — Dallas College Eastfield Campus, 3737 Motley Dr., Mesquite
Thursday, June 26, 6-7:30 p.m. — Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill Rec. Way

politics

Coworking News

Dallas' Longhorn Ballroom unveils new renovated coworking studio space

Longhorn Ballroom

Dallas' famed Longhorn Ballroom music venue has unveiled a newly renovated multi-use building — located across the courtyard from the Ballroom at 200 Corinth St. — that's open for creative types in the fields of entertainment, restaurant, and the arts.

The Longhorn Ballroom was built in 1950 for country music legend Bob Wills and this Texas Playboys and was originally named Bob Wills’ Ranch House. It was managed for a time by Jack Ruby, then Dewey Groom who renamed it the Longhorn Ballroom and built it into one of the greatest venues of its day, hosting Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Pasty Cline, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, James Brown, Al Green, Johnny Rodriguez, Freddy Fender and Selena.

This newly renovated building was originally constructed in 1950 as part of the Ranch House, where it served as a motel for touring musicians and according to a release, is rumored to have sheltered Wills' horse "Punkin."

You could office here. Longhorn Ballroom coworking space.Longhorn Ballroom

The two-story 26,000-square-foot building offers co-working spaces for entertainment professionals, attorneys, and managers. There are five 1-2 person offices available, along with a limited number of residential live-work studios for artists. There are also several small restaurant spaces available for "culinary creatives."

The largest available area — a former recording studio — could be transformed into a space for audio, film, or post-production work.

There is also a common area and kitchen, plus plentiful parking. Internet and utilities are included. Rates depend on space rented.

"As an entertainment attorney, there’s no better place for my practice than the Oficina co-work space at the Longhorn," says Decker Sachse, a current tenant. "It’s a great location with easy access and my clients love the vibe."

In the fall, the Longhorn will complete its third and final phase with the opening of a 6,500-capacity outdoor amphitheater along the banks of the original Trinity River. Called The Longhorn Backyard Amphitheater, it will host a series of soft opening shows this fall, starting with Randy Rogers on September 20. A grand opening with a full calendar of events will commence in the spring of 2026, providing the city with a state-of-the-art outdoor venue one mile south of downtown Dallas.

concerts openings