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Planning commission recommends code changes on flag sizes, carport setbacks to city council
Summary
The Dallas Planning Commission voted to forward proposed updates to the Dallas development code that set flag-size limits (up to 45 square feet in commercial/industrial zones and 15 square feet for residential properties) and revise setback standards for accessory structures such as prefabricated carports, recommending the amendments to the city
The Dallas Planning Commission voted to recommend that the city council consider proposed amendments to the Dallas development code, including new provisions on flag size and revised setback rules for accessory structures, after staff presented edits and the commission discussed size limits and uses.
Why it matters: The proposed changes would formalize maximum flag sizes on private property and relax some rules for accessory structures to address issues such as prefabricated carports. Those changes affect property owners, places of worship and public institutions in residential and nonresidential zones.
Planning staff presenter Chase described revisions made after an earlier hearing, including an upper size limit for permanent flags in commercial and industrial zones. “There is an upper limit of not more than 45 square feet in each area for the commercial and industrial zones,” Chase said. He added that residential zones would be limited to 15 square feet for typical residences but could allow up to 45 square feet for nonresidential uses in residential zones, such as schools and churches.
Staff clarified that the changes would cover flags on private property and would not apply to flags or displays in a public right-of-way; Chase noted that Main Street is an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) highway and that the proposal does not change ODOT authority over the right of way. A planning staff member told the commission that “it is fairly common for cities to have flag restrictions,” and staff described the overall intent of the amendments as making it easier to obtain permission for flags and to expand where and how flags may be displayed.
On accessory structures, staff said the proposed text targets accessory buildings that are not dwellings — sheds, workshops, detached garages and prefabricated carports — and would change interior side and rear-yard setback standards to address issues the city has been seeing with prefabricated carports. Staff emphasized the proposal would not alter front-yard or street-facing side-yard setback rules.
Commissioners asked whether a large ceremonial or “Garrison” flag would be allowed under the proposal; staff replied the 45-square-foot cap in commercial zones would preclude larger flags and that First Amendment time, place and manner considerations were part of staff analysis. Staff also noted the city cemetery is zoned residential and would be eligible for the larger nonresidential limit (up to 45 square feet) as a nonresidential use in a residential zone.
After discussion the commission moved and seconded a recommendation to forward the amendments to city council for hearing and approval; the motion passed with commissioners voting in favor and no recorded opposing votes.
What happens next: The amendments will be scheduled for a city council public hearing and further review. If council approves, the development code changes will take effect according to the council’s adoption schedule.
Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting record; commissioner names were on the roll but specific speaker lines in the discussion were not always tied to a named commissioner in the transcript.
