Dallas Board of Adjustment approves non-rental additional dwelling unit for Maria Perez

In a pivotal decision at the Dallas Board of Adjustments meeting on June 17, 2025, the board voted to grant a special exception allowing Maria Perez to maintain an additional dwelling unit on her property, provided it is not used for rental purposes. The motion, introduced by board member Miss Davis, emphasized that the additional unit would not adversely affect neighboring properties, a key criterion for approval.

Miss Davis highlighted that only one resident opposed the request, arguing that the existing structure was already in place when they moved in, and no significant changes had been made to the property. "I do not believe that this additional unit will adversely affect neighboring properties," she stated, reinforcing her support for the motion.

Board member Mister Neri echoed this sentiment, expressing concern for Perez's previous lack of adequate representation during her property purchase. He noted the importance of having proper guidance in real estate transactions, which he felt was crucial to understanding property rights and regulations.

However, not all board members were in agreement. Mister Hopkovich raised concerns about the legality of the existing structure, stating that the board's decision should focus on compliance with city building codes rather than the applicant's personal circumstances. He expressed his inability to support the motion based on these grounds.

Despite the differing opinions, the board ultimately moved forward with the approval, imposing a condition that the additional unit must not be used for rental purposes. This decision marks a significant moment for property rights in Dallas, balancing individual homeowner needs with community regulations. The board's next steps will involve ensuring compliance with the Dallas development code as they monitor the implementation of this special exception.