Multifamily
1. Location and Neighborhood Fabric
2.2 Compact Development: New Construction
Mandatory except for infill or rehab
Average minimum density for new construction must be 6 units per acre for detached or semi-detached; 10 for town homes; and 15 for apartments.
Green Communities and the Green Communities Criteria are a national initiative of Enterprise Community Partners to transform the affordable housing sector. For more information go to www.greencommunitiesonline.org
Minnesota Overlay
In addition, the density calculation is modified as follows:
Density is measured by taking the total dwelling units after construction, divided by the acreage of the entire tract down to one decimal point, minus dedicated acreage of public street rights of way, buffered wetlands, open space that has been dedicated through a conservation program, and any non-buildable area.
Some examples of non-buildable area include land that is not economically feasible to be developed, such as easements, utility fall zones, unsuitable soil, steep grades, water features, wetlands, nature preserves, etc. Density calculations do not include land that is set aside for future building phases or development.
A simple example follows:
10 acres at 4 units/acre (gross) = 40 units
minus 20% (about 2 acres) for road right of way
minus 20% (about 2 acres) for common open space
equals 40 units on 6 acres, or 6.7 units/acre NET
Important Considerations
Codes and Regulations
See local zoning ordinances for density requirements
Other Resources
Publications and Links
See full list of recommended resources and links in our library.
Related Strategies
| S1: | Responsible site selection |
Related Scales
