Housing Density

In recent years, new design techniques and tools have been developed to address the issue of adding density to neighborhoods composed of single family homes. These techniques strive to maintain the character of a neighborhood while using land efficiently and keeping housing affordable. Communities can enact laws that promote these new housing forms. For instance, owners of existing houses can be encouraged to add a second living space, but only permitted a single front entrance to help maintain the appearance of a single family dwelling.

Another strategy for increasing density is to allow accessory apartments, or "granny flats," which can be either attached or detached from the primary residential unit on a single-family plot. Not only does this technique increase housing options, but it potentially makes it more affordable for homeowners to live there, as rental income can serve as a source of supplementary income.

Zero-lot line development is a similar strategy that increases density in a single family detached housing development. Zero-lot line developments allow homes to be constructed without a setback from the edge of a lot that is part of the development. This strategy increases the number of housing units per acre without appearing overcrowded. Communities may also create provisions for building two single-family dwellings on a single lot.