PILLAR: Safe
AGENDA DATE: August 12, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Police Department
PRIORITY: Government Efficiency
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 12B, “Convenience Stores,” of the Dallas City Code by amending Sections 12B-2, 12B-14, 12B-18, and 12B-23; (1) providing a definition for a small box discount store; (2) amending surveillance camera system requirements; (3) amending store visibility requirements; (4) amending automatic teller machine requirements; (5) providing a saving clause; (6) providing a severability clause; and (7) providing an effective date - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
Convenience stores are highly used retail businesses with a primary emphasis on providing the public with convenient locations to quickly purchase a wide array of consumer products, such as basic food, household, tobacco products, and pharmaceutical items. As a result, these stores, and their consumers, are especially vulnerable to victimization - especially those stores that have large amounts of cash, low security, and few staff and customers likely to resist. The purpose of Chapter 12B is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Dallas by reducing the occurrence of crime, preventing the escalation of crime, and increasing the successful prosecution of crime that occurs in convenience stores in the City. To accomplish this purpose, Chapter 12B establishes a registration program for convenience stores and provides requirements relating to surveillance camera systems, video recording and storage systems, alarm systems, drop safes, security signs, height markers, store visibility, safety training programs, and trespass affidavit.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on May 18, 2026. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15473218&GUID=B0B6CC98-7697-479A-806E-6B556001024B>
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.