Thompson's completed townhouse sits vacant due to city's misleading zoning regulations

The recent court proceedings regarding PDT Holdings, Inc. versus the City of Dallas have brought to light significant issues surrounding zoning regulations and construction permits. The case centers on a dispute involving a townhouse built by Mr. Thompson on an irregularly shaped lot, which has become a focal point of contention due to alleged misrepresentations by the city regarding height restrictions and zoning requirements.

During the trial, Mr. Thompson testified that prior to purchasing the lot, he engaged a real estate broker to clarify any zoning restrictions. He was informed that the maximum building height was 36 feet. However, he later faced complications when the city introduced a residential proximity slope (RPS) requirement, which he claims was not disclosed during the initial inquiries. This RPS concept, which differs from the straightforward height limit, became a critical issue as construction progressed.

The timeline of events reveals a series of approvals and inspections by the city that failed to identify the RPS issue until the project was nearly complete. In January 2018, an inspector noted a height problem with the parapet wall, leading Mr. Thompson to adjust the design to comply with the 36-foot limit. Despite this, the city later imposed a stop work order in April 2018, citing the RPS violation, which halted the project just as it was nearing completion.

Currently, the townhouse stands finished but unoccupied, as the city has not issued a certificate of occupancy due to the alleged zoning violation. This situation has resulted in the property attracting vandalism and becoming a target for vagrants, despite Mr. Thompson having had a buyer lined up prior to the city's late intervention.

The case raises critical questions about the responsibilities of city officials in disclosing zoning regulations and the implications of their oversight on private property development. As the court deliberates, the outcome could have significant repercussions for Mr. Thompson and potentially set a precedent for future zoning disputes in Dallas.