Dallas Council Approved Walnut Hill Housing Development
New homes priced up to $1.2 million are set for a North Dallas site following a split 9-5 City Council vote.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Residential
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Should local residents have final authority over density changes in their neighborhood zoning?
The Dallas City Council approved a zoning change allowing for the construction of 37 homes on a 3.7-acre property located on Walnut Hill Lane. The decision follows a multi-year effort by the developer to revise the plan for the site, which was previously occupied by the Primera Iglesia Bautista.
Why it matters
The development shifts the residential density in the area by replacing old zoning requirements with a new plan featuring smaller lot sizes. This change enables the construction of high-end housing in a section of North Dallas that was significantly impacted by a 2019 tornado.
The project will feature 37 homes priced between $900,000 and $1.2 million on a 3.7-acre site. The approved plan replaces outdated zoning requirements for 16,000-square-foot minimum lots and 30-foot height limits.
The players
Dallas City Council
The governing body responsible for local zoning, tax, and infrastructure policy impacting city residents.
Centurion American
A real estate developer that builds and sells residential property throughout the Dallas region.
Gay Donnell Willis
A Dallas city council member representing district residents currently involved in a recall effort.
The details
The developer reduced the original plan from 60 units down to 37, including 12 planned three-story homes, to address neighborhood concerns. By rezoning the property, the developer bypasses the current 16,000-square-foot minimum lot size requirement. Residents who opposed the density increase have launched a recall effort against council member Gay Donnell Willis following the approval.
Timeline
2019: A tornado damaged the church property previously at the site.
May 2025: Centurion American acquired two lots at the property.
August 2026: The council deferred a previous vote on the development.
September 23, 2026: The city council approved the zoning change.
Next week: A group of residents plans to submit a recall ballot request.
Money Landscape
This rezoning marks a departure from established Dallas city zoning ordinances that previously mandated larger minimum lot sizes. The approval reflects a broader trend of densification in North Dallas as developers seek to maximize limited land availability.
Prospective buyers in the luxury segment should monitor the development's pricing structure as it moves toward construction. Residents living near Walnut Hill Lane may consider consulting a real estate professional regarding how the introduction of these units could influence nearby property valuations.
The takeaway
The approval of this development highlights the ongoing tension between density goals and neighborhood scale in North Dallas. Homeowners near major development sites should monitor future City Council agendas to stay informed about zoning changes that may impact their property value.
What happens next
A group of residents is expected to submit a formal recall ballot request for council member Gay Donnell Willis next week.
Further reading
Learn more about local property trends in the Residential section.
Live Poll
Should local residents have final authority over density changes in their neighborhood zoning?
