PILLAR: Growing
AGENDA DATE: March 25, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Department of Planning and Development
PRIORITY: N/A
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
A resolution amending the Board of Adjustment's Rules of Procedure by (1) modifying the process for removing a board member; (2) adding that the composition of the board shall reflect the community served by the city; (3) amending duties of the chair, board administrator, and board secretary; (4) requiring the physical presence of board members for attendance; (5) informing members to refrain from discussing pending cases until the 10-day appeal process expires; (6) providing that the board decision is final unless appealed to district court; and (7) making other non-substantive changes - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
*In alignment with ForwardDallas.
Body
BACKGROUND
These amendments were reviewed and composed in collaboration with Board of Adjustment (BOA) Members, the Planning and Development Department, and City Attorney’s Office. The BOA Working Rules of Procedure Amendments were unanimously approved by the Board on October 28, 2025, during their Annual Full Board Meeting and are attached to this memo. During January 20, 21, and 22, 2026, the Board approved an additional amendment aligning its language with Ordinance 33288, adopted by the City Council on December 10, 2025, which requires that the panels reflect the community served by the city.
Overall, the proposed amendments to the BOA Rules of Procedure include minor revisions to the following sections:
• Section 2 - Composition of the Board
• Section 4 - Duties of the Chair
• Section 5 - Duties of the Presiding Officers
• Section 6 - Duties of the Board Administrator
• Section 7 - Duties of the Board Secretary
• Section 9 - Attendance and General Rules
• Section 11 - Public Testimony and Public Hearings
• Section 12 - Decisions of Panel
These revisions aim to improve the policies and procedures of the Board of Adjustment. Notably, the changes to Section 9 require the physical presence of the board members to be considered in attendance at the meeting.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Economic Development Committee was briefed on proposed amendments by memorandum regarding this matter on March 2, 2026. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15272409&GUID=64A8FF59-74DD-4888-8C42-6A273C0B4E2F>
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.