Dallas Council Approved Zoning for 37 Walnut Hill Homes
The 3.7-acre development will replace a storm-damaged site, with homes expected to reach $1.2 million.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Residential
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The Dallas City Council voted 9-5 to approve a rezoning plan for a new residential development on Walnut Hill Lane. This project will feature 37 homes on a site formerly occupied by the Primera Iglesia Bautista.
Why it matters
The approval allows for smaller lot sizes than the existing 16,000-square-foot minimum, enabling the developer to build 37 units on the 3.7-acre plot. This change responds to the developer's request to adjust requirements for lot size and building height.
The council approved a plan for 37 units, including 12 three-story homes, on a site where previous zoning mandated 16,000-square-foot lots and 30-foot height limits. The new homes are expected to be priced between $900,000 and $1.2 million.
The players
Dallas City Council
The local legislative body responsible for municipal zoning and land-use decisions.
Gay Donnell Willis
A city council member currently facing a recall effort from North Dallas residents.
Centurion American
A residential developer that acquired the church property for this housing project.
Primera Iglesia Bautista
The former owner of the church property before the site was sold for development.
The details
The developer reduced the unit count from 60 to 37 following public feedback and negotiations with local residents. The site, which was hit by a tornado in 2019, was acquired by Centurion American in May 2025. This zoning adjustment was necessary because the property's previous requirements for lot size and building height were incompatible with the project's current design.
Timeline
A tornado damaged the church property in 2019.
Centurion American acquired the lots in May 2025.
The council deferred a vote on the development in August 2026.
The city council approved the zoning change on September 23, 2026.
Residents plan to submit a recall ballot request next week.
The Home Front
This rezoning decision highlights the ongoing tension in Dallas between infill development and existing neighborhood density standards. It follows a pattern of intense municipal debate over land-use regulations and the potential for residential density shifts in established areas.
If you live near the intersection of Walnut Hill Lane and Marsh Lane, you may wish to monitor upcoming notices from the city regarding site preparation or traffic adjustments. Homeowners concerned about local council actions can verify their district representation and participation rules through official city resources.
The takeaway
The approval of this 37-home development demonstrates how developer-resident negotiations can reshape municipal zoning requirements. Residents planning to participate in the local recall effort should keep an eye on upcoming City Council updates regarding the official filing process.
Further reading
To understand how land-use decisions affect local neighborhoods, visit Residential.
Live Poll
Should local residents have final authority over density changes in their neighborhood zoning?
