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Tyler City Zoning Code

ARTICLE II

ZONING DISTRICTS

Sec. 10-20. Establishment of Residential Districts

The following residential districts are established in the City of Tyler:
Abbreviation
District Name
Abbreviation
District Name
RE
Residential Estate
R-1A
Single-Family Residential
R-1B
Single-Family Residential
R-1C
Single-Family Residential
R-1D
Single-Family-Attached/Detached
R-2
Two-Family Residential
R-MF
Multi-Family Residential
R-MH
Manufactured Home Residential
NR
Neighborhood Residential
PUR
Planned Unit Residential
PMF
Planned Multifamily
(Ord No. 0-2011-45, 6/8/11) (Ord. No. 0-2019-87; 10/8/19)

Sec. 10-21. District Purpose Statements

   a.    RE Residential Estate District
      The RE district is primarily intended to accommodate development of detached, single-family housing on minimum one acre lots.
   b.   R-1A Single Family Residential District
      The R-1A district is primarily intended to accommodate development of detached, single-family housing on large lots.
   c.   R-1B Single-Family Residential District
      The R-1B district is primarily intended to accommodate development of detached, single-family housing on smaller, individual lots.
   d.   R-1C Single-Family Residential District
      The R-1C district is a carryover district from the former zoning ordinance. It is primarily intended to accommodate existing and future development of detached, single-family housing, garage apartments (also known as mother-in-law units), and to accommodate existing two-family housing.
   e.   R-1D Single-Family-Detached and Attached District
      The R-1D district is primarily intended to accommodate single-family-detached and single family attached housing, on separately platted lots, such as townhouses and rowhouses, in the same district for the purpose of increasing residential development densities in North Tyler and all other areas where a mix of such housing types is desirable. (Ord. 0-2010-20, 3/10/10)
   f.   R-2 Two-Family Residential (Duplex)
      The R-2 district is primarily intended to accommodate single-family detached and two-family (duplex) housing on individual lots. (Ord. No. 0-2019-87; 10/8/19)
   g.   R-MF Multi-Family Residential District
      The R-MF district is primarily intended to accommodate multifamily development at a maximum density of 24 dwelling units per acre.
   h.   R-MH Manufactured Home Residential District
      The R-MH district is primarily intended to accommodate manufactured housing parks as a special use and manufactured housing units on individually platted lots.
   i.   PUR Planned Unit Residential
      The PUR district is primarily for the medium to high density development of unique and innovative forms of detached or attached single-family housing . A PUR development utilizes the total space within a development by creating common open spaces, scenic and recreational areas, and other spaces, which will compensate for the reduction of land area dedicated for the residential structure.
      It is the intent of the PUR to provide for residential developments which may utilize private streets, owned and maintained by a Homeowners Association, or dedicated public streets. The PUR district is not intended as a convenience to circumventing regulations set forth in other residential districts, or as a tool for mass variance, without provisions of common areas. (Ord. No. 0-2014-33; 4/23/14) (Ord. No. 0-2019-87; 10/8/19)
   j.   PMF Planned Multifamily District
      The PMF district is primarily intended to provide for the medium- to high-density development of condominiums, apartments, and nursing homes. A PMF development may include common open spaces, scenic and recreational areas. The PMF district is not intended as a convenience to circumvent regulations set forth in other residential districts or a a tool for mass variance. (Ord. No 0-2010-119, 11/10/10) (Ord. 0-2011-45, 6/8/11) (Ord. No. 0-2019-87; 10/8/19
   k.   NR Neighborhood Residential
      The NR district is primarily intended to accommodate small scale single-family attached or detached dwellings on one lot or individually platted lots and for other compatible and complimentary uses, such that it provides an orderly transition to and creates a buffer between single-family and two-family areas and more intensive uses such as multi-family or commercial uses. (Ord. No. 0-2019- 87; 10/8/19)
   

Sec. 10-22. Allowed Uses

Uses are allowed in residential districts in accordance with Table 10-48.

Sec. 10-23. Dimensional Standards

All development in residential districts must comply with Table 10-23 Dimensional Standards in Residential Districts.
Table 10-23. Dimensional Standards for Residential Districts
Residential Districts
RE
R-1A
R-1B
R-1C
R-1D
R-2
R-MF
R-MH
NR
PUR
PMF
Residential Districts
RE
R-1A
R-1B
R-1C
R-1D
R-2
R-MF
R-MH
NR
PUR
PMF
Minimum lot area (sq. ft.)
43,560
9,000
6,000
6,000
3000
7,500
12,500
6,000
43,560
[a]
[a]
Minimum street frontage (ft.)
50
35
35
35
35
35
45
35
35
25
25
Minimum frontage (ft.) to private way
25
Setbacks (ft.)
Front *
50
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
20[f]
[a]
[a]
Rear
50
25
25
25
15
25
25
10
25
[a]
[a]
Side interior
12.5
7.5
6
6
0
6
25
10
25
[a]
[a]
Side, corner
25
12
12
12
12
12
12
15
25
[a]
25
District boundary
25
Maximum lot coverage (%)
30
50
50
50
60
50
60
[a]
[a]
Maximum height (ft.)
42
42
42
42
42
42
50[1]
18
42
42
[a]
Building separation (ft.)
15
20
10
[a]
15
Minimum Open Spaceper dwelling unit (sq. ft.)
300[d]
[e]
300 [d]
Minimum width (ft.)
15
15
Maximum slope (%)
10
10
10
Maximum number of dwelling units per acre
24
10
12
[a]
(Ord. 0-2010-20, 3/10/10) (Ord. No 0-2010-119, 11/10/10) (Ord. No. 0-2011-45, 6/8/11) (Ord. No. 0-2014-97, 10/22/14) (Ord. No. 0-2019- 87; 10/8/19)
* See section 10-92 for reduced front setbacks for alley loaded parking.
[a]    Determined by the developer and subject to approval by the planning and zoning commission and city council as part of the site development plan.
[b]    15 feet between attached single-family residence row and any portion of another attached single-family residence row.
[c]   Buildings allowed to exceed stated maximum height if front, side and rear setback are increased at least one foot (above minimum setbacks) for each one foot of additional building height (above stated maximum).
[d]   The following elements may be designated as usable open space in the PUR, and PMF districts: pools, tennis courts, walkways, patios, open air gazebos and pavilions, and covered or underground easements. The following elements may not be included in the calculation of usable open space: enclosed buildings, street and alley rights of way or easements, driveways, parking areas, or drainage channels.
[e]   The following elements may not be included in the calculation of usable open space in the PUR district streets and alley rights-of-way or easements, individually platted lots without open space easements, private yards, and patios. One-third of the total open space requirement in the PUR district may be provided off site if approved on the site plan. A Homeowners Association (HOA) is required to improve, operate, and maintain all jointly owned open spaces, recreational areas and buildings, service and parking areas. (Ord. 0-2010-20, 3/10/10) (Ord. No. 0-2010-119; 11/10/10) (Ord. No. 0-2014-97; 10/22/14)
[f]   20 feet setback from face of garage from drive aisles. (Ord. No. 0-2019-87; 10/8/19)

Sec. 10-24. Establishment of Commercial and Mixed Use Districts

The following commercial and mixed use districts are established in the City of Tyler:
 
Abbreviation
District Name
C-1
Light Commercial
C-2
General Commercial
DBAC
Downtown Business, Arts, and Culture
PMXD-1
Planned Mixed Use-1
PMXD-2
Planned Mixed Use-2
PCD
Planned Commercial District
 

Sec. 10-25. District Purpose Statements

   a.   C-1 Light Commercial District
      The C-1 district is primarily intended to provide for commercial development and business activities that are located at the edge of residential areas but which serve an area larger than nearby neighborhoods. Areas zoned C-1 district must be restricted to commercial activities, primarily if not exclusively conducted indoors, with limited or no outdoor display or storage of merchandise.
   b.   C-2 General Commercial District
      The C-2 district is primarily intended for heavier commercial development that serves a citywide and regional market area, and for establishments requiring outdoor display and storage of merchandise.
   c.   DBAC Downtown Business, Arts, and Culture District
      The DBAC district (formerly C-3) is primarily intended to implement the Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 4, Downtown Master Plan by accommodating development and redevelopment in downtown that creates a walkable, mixed-use city center with residential, commercial, entertainment, arts, institutional, park, and government land uses, and by establishing guidelines and controls for the development and redevelopment of the downtown area, shown on the Future Land Use Guide, with a mix of commercial, residential, cultural, office, and existing light manufacturing uses. The district is further intended to ensure that future development is compatible with the existing development and will enhance the economic, cultural, and historical significance of downtown Tyler. The voluntary preferred design guidelines are kept on file in the planning department. (Ord. No. 0-2014-33; 4/23/14)
   d.   PMXD-1 Planned Mixed-Use District-1
      The PMXD-1 district is primarily intended to implement the Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan by promoting a mix of residential, retail and service, office, institutional, park, and government uses. The PMXD-1 district is intended to be applied in areas designated for medium density mixed-use on the Future Land Use Guide, namely at or near key intersections of major arterial roadways, and other areas with access to a full range of public facilities and infrastructure. (Ord. No. 0-2014-33; 4/23/14)
   The PMXD-1 district is further intended to promote the following objectives:
      1.   Create new compact, medium-density development and redevelopment patterns that provide a mix of residential and non-residential uses in the same building or in close proximity to enhance opportunities for residents to live, work, shop and enjoy leisure within a walkable, urban village environment.
      2.   Provide more opportunities to drive less and thereby reduce the growth rate of traffic congestion.
      3.   Ensure appropriate transitions between mixed-use districts and single-family residential neighborhoods.
      4.   Improve access management on arterial and collector roads in order to enhance traffic function.
      5.   Improve the aesthetic appearance of arterial and collector roads.
      All developments created in a PMXD-1 district must be designed and developed in accordance with an approved site development plan or a written narrative detailing the development parameters of sufficient detail that it can be evaluated and submitted for approval to the Planning Commission and City Council. Where narrative is submitted and approved by the City Council, future site plans may be approved by staff when they are consistent with the standards included in the narrative. The district is not intended as a convenience to circumvent regulations set forth in other commercial or residential districts or as a tool for mass variance. (Ord. No 0-2010-119, 11/10/10)
   e.   PMXD-2 Planned Mixed Use District-2
      The PMXD-2 district is primarily intended to implement the Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan by accommodating a combination of high-density office, institutional, retail and service, and residential uses at a maximum density of 50 units per acre that function as a center of economic activity for residents of Tyler, Smith County, and the East Texas region. The PMXD-2 district is intended to be applied in areas designated for high density, mixed-use development on the Future Land Use Guide, namely at or near key intersections of major arterial roadways and in the city center. The PMXD-2 district is further intended to promote the same objectives of the PMXD-1 district listed in Sec. 10-25(d) above, and to also create sufficient residential and employment density within half-mile centers to be "transit-ready" for location of potential future public transit.(Ord. No. 0-2014-33; 4/23/14) (Ord. No. O-2018-17; 2/14/18)
      All developments created in a PMXD-2 district must be designed and developed in accordance with an approved site development plan or a written narrative detailing the development parameters of sufficient detail that it can be evaluated and submitted for approval to the Planning Commission and City Council. Where narrative is submitted and approved by the City Council, future site plans may be approved by staff when they are consistent with the standards included in the narrative. The district is not intended as a convenience to circumventing regulations set forth in other commercial or residential districts or as a tool for mass variance. A density bonus may be granted with a developer's agreement subject to approval from City Council (Ord. No. 0-2010-119; 11/10/10) (Ord. No. O-2018-17; 2/14/18)
   f.   PCD Planned Commercial Development District
      The purpose of the PCD district is to provide for the development of planned commercial facilities. The PCD district will be designated where retail and commercial facilities are needed throughout the city. All developments created in a PCD district must be designed and developed as a unit according to an approved site development plan. The district is not intended as a convenience to circumvent regulations set forth in other commercial or residential districts or as a tool for mass variance. (Ord. No 0-2010-119, 11/10/10)

Sec. 10-26. Allowed Uses

Uses are allowed in commercial and planned districts in accordance with Table 10-49.

Sec. 10-27. Dimensional Standards

All development in commercial and office districts must comply with the standards in Table 10-27.
Table 10-27 Dimensional Standards for Commercial and Industrial Districts
Commercial and Industrial Districts
C-1
C-2
DBAC
PMXD-1
PMXD-2
PCD
M-1
M-2
Commercial and Industrial Districts
C-1
C-2
DBAC
PMXD-1
PMXD-2
PCD
M-1
M-2
Minimum lot area (square feet)
7,000
14,000
2,500
5 acres
cd
5 acres
cd
a
15,000
15,000
Minimum frontage (feet)
70
80
25
a
a
a
80
80
Minimum building sep. (same lot)
15
15
0
a
a
a
15
15
Maximum height (feet)
42
45
--
55
165
g
45’+ 1'/ addl 1' setback
45’+ 1'/ addl 1' setback
Minimum height or story
1
1
25 ft
25 ft
25 ft
a
na
na
Maximum height (stories)
2.5
20
5
15
a
na
na
Minimum setbacks
Front yard setback
10
10
0
a
a
a
10
10
Rear yard setback
10 b
10 b
0 b
a b
a b
a b
25 b
25 b
Adjacent to R district (rear)
25 b
25 b
0 b
a b
a b
a b
25 b
25 b
Adjacent to R district (side)
10 b
10 b
b
b
b
b
25 b
25 b
Side yard setback, interior
0 b
0 b
0 b
a b
a b
a b
0 b
0 b
Side yard setback, corner
15
15
0
a
a
a
15
15
Maximum lot coverage (%)
60
60
f
a
a
a
50
60
a. Determined by the developer and subject to approval by the planning and zoning commission and city council as part of the site development plan.
b. See Article VI, Division B for bufferyard requirements which are part of the setback.
c. Recommended; total development area for a PMXD-1 or PMXD-2 may be fewer than 5 acres subject to approval by the planning and zoning commission and city council as part of the site development plan.
d. Exceptions to the 5-acre minimum: 1) projects smaller than five acres that are considered to be a phase or extension of an existing mixed use development and 2) single buildings or a building complex in which a mix of two or more land uses is proposed (e.g., condominiums and retail stores). (Ord. No. 0-2009-19; 3/11/09) (Ord. No. 0-2011-45; 6/8/11)
e. Maximum height is 45 feet plus 1 foot additional for each additional foot beyond a 10 feet setback when abutting a non-residential district and a 25 feet setback when abutting a residential district.
f. 100% building coverage is allowed, however, all parking lots must reserve 15% of the total parking area for landscaping. See Section 10-295 for landscape area requirements. (Ord. No. 0-2012-38; 4/25/12) (Ord. No. 0-2014-8; 1/22/14) (Ord. No. 0-2014-97, 10/22/14)

Sec. 10-28. Establishment of Industrial Districts

The following industrial districts are established in the City of Tyler:
 
Abbreviation
District Name
M-1
Light Industrial
M-2
General Industrial
 

Sec. 10-29. District Purpose Statements

   a.   M-1 Light Industrial District
      The M-1 district is primarily intended to provide for the location and development of low impact industries and supporting commercial and public uses, which generate relatively low levels of noise, smoke, odor, dust, or intense light. These industrial and manufacturing uses may require good accessibility to air, rail, or street transportation routes.
   b.   M-2 General Industrial District
      The M-2 district is primarily intended to provide for location and development of medium and heavy impact industries and supporting commercial and public uses, which may generate noise, odor, smoke, dust, or intense light. These industrial and manufacturing uses must provide access to air, rail, or street transportation routes. Provision may also be made for outdoor operations and storage.

Sec. 10-30. Allowed Uses

Uses are allowed in industrial districts in accordance with the nonresidential district use table in Sec. 10-49.

Sec. 10-31. Dimensional Standards

All development in industrial districts must comply with the standards in the industrial districts dimensional standards table in Sec. 10-27.

Sec. 10-32. Establishment of Overlay and Special Purpose Districts

The following overlay and special purpose districts are established in the City of Tyler:
Abbreviation
District Name
Abbreviation
District Name
AG
Agricultural
AR
Adaptive Reuse
RPO
Restricted Professional Office
POD
Planned Office District
MU-O
Municipal Use Overlay
INT
Institutional
OSP
Open Space and Parkland District
CC-O
Commercial Corridor Overlay
HD-O
Historic District Overlay (Ord. No. 0-2008-147, 11/19/08)
(Ord. No. 0-2012-83, 10/10/12) (Ord. No. O-2018-17; 2/14/18)

Sec. 10-33. District Purpose Statements

   a.   AG Agricultural District
      The AG district is primarily intended to provide a location for land situated on the fringe of an urban area and used for agricultural purposes. The types and intensity of uses permitted in this district should encourage and protect agricultural uses until urbanization is warranted and the appropriate change in district classification is determined.
   b.   AR Adaptive Reuse District
      The AR district is primarily intended to allow for the rehabilitation and reuse of residential buildings and other structures that are generally within but not exclusively, historic residential neighborhoods and the streets that form the boundary of such districts. The district provides property owners with the flexibility to use older homes for low-intensity commercial or office activities without detracting from the essential residential character of the area, nor allowing a proliferation of heavier commercial uses.
   c.   RPO Restricted Professional Office District
      The RPO district is primarily intended to accommodate office uses that serve as a buffer between commercial and residential areas. It is also intended to facilitate the conversion of residential properties that are located in an area in transition from residential to other uses.
   d.    POD Planned Office District
      "POD" Planned Office Development District, is established to provide for professional and office facilities in appropriate locations. The "POD" District will be used where office type facilities are needed to serve developing residential communities located throughout the city and shall be designed and developed as a unit according to an approved site plan. Development criteria are required that will ensure a compatible relationship between the "POD" development and the close-by residential areas. The owner shall submit a plan for the use and development of all or part of such tract of land to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Any significant change in the site development plan requires approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council through a public hearing process. The plan for the proposed development must present a unified and organized arrangement of buildings and service facilities, such that a functional relationship within the property is achieved. The arrangement of buildings and service facilities shall not adversely affect the use of properties immediately adjacent to the development. Reasonable additional requirements as to landscaping, lighting, signs or other advertising devices, screening, access ways, building setbacks, and height and area limitations may be imposed by the Planning and Zoning Commission for the protection of the adjoining property.
   e.   MU- O Municipal Use Overlay District
      The Municipal Use category is available for all land owned by the City of Tyler that is used for municipal purposes. Traditionally all land uses related to a municipal purpose were allowed on land owned by the city and city owned land could be and was zoned in any category because all municipal purpose uses were allowed through the Use Chart. The purpose of this new category is to identify on the Zoning Map all of those tracts which are owned by the City and which are used for municipal purposes.
   f.    INT Institutional District
T      he purpose of the INT district is to provide for the development and regulation of medical facilities and hospitals, public buildings, religious institutions, as well as educational facilities and all related and accessory facilities, including classrooms, offices, assembly halls, cafeterias, dormitories, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, and physical plant. (Ord. No. 0-2009-100; 9/23/09)
   g.    OSP Open Space and Parkland District
      The OSP district is primarily intended to preserve and enhance public open, natural, and improved park and recreational areas and private open, natural, and improved park and recreational areas that are open to the public and identified in the Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan and on the Tyler 1st Future Land Use Guide. (Ord. No. 0-2014-33; 4/23/14)
   h.    CC-O Commercial Corridor Overlay District
      The CC-O district is primarily intended to improve the aesthetic environment of the city’s major commercial streets and arterial corridors through a process of redevelopment and reuse of private property by private interests and public infrastructure improvements in the public right-of-way. The CC-O district is further intended to:
      1.   Support, higher density, pedestrian- and transit-friendly development near intersections of major arterial streets, highways, and gateways to the City of Tyler.
      2.   Encourage infill and redevelopment that is compatible with the natural beauty of the Tyler area and provides an attractive sequence of buildings and land uses.
      3.   Increase the amount and positive visual and environmental effects of tree planting and landscaping in the city.
      4.   Provide pedestrians and bicyclists safe, comfortable, and attractive access to sidewalks, crosswalks, and private properties, while accommodating automobiles.
      5.   Enhance the traffic function of major roads by managing access to adjacent land uses (see Article V, Division D)
      6.   Provide effective and attractive street lighting.
   i.   HD-O Historic Overlay District
      The HD-O district is primarily intended to implement the Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan by establishing and preserving structures, sites or areas that have outstanding historical and cultural significance As an overlay district, the HD-O is applied in conjunction with the underlying zoning district(s) for the area. The procedures for enacting the HD-O District are contained in Article VIII., Division J. (Ord. No. 0-2008-147; 11/19/08) (Ord. No. 0-2012-83, 10/10/12) (Ord. No. 0-2014-33; 4/23/14) (Ord. No. O-2018-17; 2/14/18)

Sec. 10-34. Dimensional Standards

All development in overlay and special purpose districts must comply with the dimensional standards for overlay and special purpose districts in this chapter:
 Table 10-34 Dimensional Standards for Overlay and Special Purpose Districts
Overlay and Special Districts
AG
AR
RPO
POD
MU-O
INT
OSP
CC-O
HD-O
Overlay and Special Districts
AG
AR
RPO
POD
MU-O
INT
OSP
CC-O
HD-O
Minimum lot area (square feet)
1 acre
7,000
7,000
a
0
5 acres
(for entire campus)
1 acre
Base zone applies
Base zone applies
Minimum street frontage (feet)
35
35
35
a
0
200
a
Minimum building sep.
(same lot)
0
15
25
a
0
15
a
Maximum height (feet)
42
42
42
a
N/A
35
a
Adjacent to Residential Districts
42
42
42
42+1' / addl 1’ setback
--
42+1' / addl 1’ setback
Adjacent to All Other Districts
60 + 1' / addl 1’ front & rear setback
N/A
120 + 1' / addl 1’ front & rear setback
--
120 + 1' / addl 1’ front & rear setback
Maximum height (stories)
2.5
2.5
2.5
a
N/A
a
Setbacks
a
Front yard setback
25 res;
100 livestock
50 poultry
25
10
0
0
25
15
Rear yard setback
25 res; 100 livestock
50 poultry
25
10
0
0
10
Side yard setback, interior
7.5 res only
6
6; 25 for multi-bldg complex
a
0
5
--
Side yard setback, corner
12 res only
12
12
a
0
12
Adjacent to R district (rear)
25 & b
a
10
25
25
Adjacent to R district (side)
B
a
10
25
25
Adjacent ROW (side or rear)
B
a
10
25
25
Maximum lot coverage (%)
35
60
60
a
100
60
25
(Ord. No. 0-2012-83, 10/10/12) (Ord. No. 0-2014-97, 10/22/14) (Ord. No. O-2018-17; 2/14/18)
a.   Determined by the developer and subject to approval by the planning and zoning commission and city council as part of the site development plan.
b.   See Article VI, Division B for bufferyard requirements. (Ord. No. 0-2008-147; 11/19/08)