The Basics
What is a Conservation District?
A Conservation District (CD) is a zoning tool used to designate an area within a neighborhood with a distinct physical character. CDs are intended to conserve an area's distinctive character by protecting or enhancing its physical attributes (City of Dallas Planning and Urban Design). They are a way to stabilize a neighborhood and protect the investments homeowners have made in their homes.
What is the purpose of a Conservation District?
The purpose is to conserve the overall character of the neighborhood. Because Wynnewood North has a distinctive history and architectural character — the "large, shaded lots and cohesive houses" that Preservation Dallas notes — many homeowners want to conserve the style and scale of homes that have characterized our neighborhood since its origin. Specifically, a CD is intended to:
- Maintain the value of our homes
- Conserve our area's distinctive character by protecting or enhancing its physical attributes
- Promote development that is compatible with existing structures within the district
- Ensure harmonious, orderly, and aligned growth
How and why did this conversation about becoming a Conservation District begin?
Other Oak Cliff neighborhoods have experienced sudden and rapid demolition of older homes — homes that were still in good shape — replaced by oversized "big box" structures that don't fit the surrounding context. WNNA residents formed a committee to investigate Conservation District designation so that new homes in Wynnewood complement, rather than detract from, the architectural style and scale of existing homes in the neighborhood.
What is motivating the desire to become a Conservation District?
We want to avoid what other neighborhoods have experienced: waking up to find a home completely out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood under construction. While we appreciate the variety of homes in Wynnewood North, we want to ensure that any new development is contextually compatible. Once developers identify a desirable, unprotected neighborhood, they move quickly. Waiting until it's already happening is too late.
What Area Will the Conservation District Cover?
The proposed Wynnewood North Conservation District encompasses approximately 300 homes in a hilly, scenic North Oak Cliff location. The proposed boundary runs roughly from Vernon Avenue on the west, Zang Blvd on the east, W. Illinois Ave on the south, and W. Clarendon Dr on the north.
View and download the proposed boundary map (PDF) →
What It Does — and Doesn't — Mean for Your Property
How will a Conservation District benefit me as a resident and homeowner?
Many of us chose Wynnewood North for its location, mature trees, affordability, and neighborhood feel. A CD gives us the tools to protect that investment by regulating teardowns and McMansion construction. It requires builders to be sensitive to our neighborhood's architectural style — creating homes that augment Wynnewood's charm rather than detract from it.
As homeowners, we know property values in Oak Cliff have been rising for years. But once newer, larger homes begin to outnumber the original homes, yours may be worth only "lot value" — meaning buyers would purchase it simply to scrape the house and build something much larger. A CD helps prevent that outcome.
Will I be required to make changes to my property?
No. Current homeowners — including those with non-contributing structures — are not required to make any changes because of the Conservation District designation. The new standards apply only when you make alterations to the exterior of your home (generally what is visible from the street) or when rebuilding or constructing a new structure.
Would becoming a Conservation District mean someone is telling me what to do with my property?
Living in Dallas already means complying with city codes on plumbing, parking, fence height, fire safety, setbacks, and more. Most of us accept that these basic norms are part of being a good neighbor.
A Conservation District adds a layer specifically to maintain architectural standards that make Wynnewood North feel like Wynnewood North. Those standards would include things like:
- Architectural styles
- Building elevations
- Roof form or pitch
- Setbacks
Critically, these apply to new construction and significant exterior remodels — not to routine maintenance, interior work, paint colors, or landscaping.
If Wynnewood North becomes a Conservation District, will my taxes go up?
There is no correlation between becoming a Conservation District and increased taxes. A CD involves no additional fees or assessments for homeowners. Property values in Wynnewood North have been rising for years as residents maintain and improve their properties. Being part of a CD helps homes retain or increase in market value — and taxes would reflect that increase in value, which is a good thing, not a CD penalty.
How It Compares to Other Designations
Is a Conservation District like a Homeowners' Association (HOA)?
No. An HOA is very different. There are no dues for a Conservation District. Unlike an HOA, which can be highly granular — prescribing paint colors, landscaping, and much more — a Conservation District is focused on maintaining the structural integrity and architectural character of the neighborhood. And importantly, the specifics of the CD are developed at community meetings, by neighbors, for neighbors.
How is a Conservation District different from a Historic District?
A Conservation District is much less restrictive than a Historic District. In a Historic District, if you live in a Craftsman-style house and want to replace your windows, you might be required to replace them with historically accurate Craftsman windows. In a Conservation District, the purpose is to conserve the overall character of the neighborhood — activities like painting your home or replacing doors and windows are not regulated.
What are some examples of Conservation Districts in Oak Cliff and Dallas?
In Oak Cliff: Bishop/8th Street, King's Highway, Stevens Park, and Kessler Park are all Conservation Districts. In other parts of Dallas: Hollywood Heights, Lakewood, and the M Streets (Greenland Hills) are Conservation Districts. Due to their CD status, all these neighborhoods have been able to sustain the unique look and feel that makes each one distinctive.
The Process & What Happens Next
What are the necessary steps, and where are we in the process?
The Wynnewood North CDC has been meeting and investigating this since late 2022, including consulting with neighborhood committees from Kidd Springs and Miller/Stemmons. Here's where we are:
- ✓ Done: Formed a Neighborhood Committee and submitted a formal Determination of Eligibility request to the City.
- ✓ Done: The area was determined eligible for Conservation District designation.
- → In progress: City staff-led pre-application meetings with the neighborhood to explain the process and gather input on desired architectural standards.
- Upcoming: Formal application submitted with a petition signed by owners representing at least 58% of land area or 58% of lots. (The application fee is $2,500, but is waived if 75% or more of lot owners sign.)
- Upcoming: Additional neighborhood meetings, City Plan Commission review, and City Council vote.
See the full Process page for a detailed step-by-step timeline.
What is the permit review process once a CD is established?
Once the neighborhood becomes a Conservation District, compliance with the ordinance regulations is required whether a work permit is needed or not. Here's how it works:
- Step A: The property owner or contractor submits a Work Review Form (WRF) to the City's Planning & Urban Design Department for any exterior work covered by the CD standards.
- Step B: Reviews for most limited-scope work take only a few days. Reviews for new construction or major remodels may take longer.
- Step C: City staff reviews the proposed project. If it complies with the CD standards, the applicant can proceed to obtain building permits (if required) and begin work.
The process is managed through the City's online DallasNow portal and administered out of the Oak Cliff Municipal Center at 320 E. Jefferson Blvd.
Who can I contact for more information?
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