Single Family
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 to everything detailed under this item in the national Green Communities Criteria, 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.
Compact development density requirements* will be modified depending on the location of the development in Minnesota:
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs):
Single family detached: 5 units/acre
Townhomes: 10 units/acre
Apartments (e.g. condominiums): 15 units/acre
All other locations:
All housing types: 5 units/acre
*For new construction on lots platted before January 1, 2008, with connection to infrastructure (water, sewer, streets) completed, density requirement is exempt if:
- Constructing 4 or fewer units on contiguous lots
- Constructing units on scattered sites
If constructing five or more units on contiguous lots, the density requirement applies.
Overlay Considerations
Optimize infrastructure cost savings through minimizing lot frontage. Lot widths of 40' to 65' are encouraged for single family detached homes.
Narrowing street width can increase gross density while decreasing development costs and long-term maintenance costs. narrow streets reduce storm water runoff, reduce traffic speed, and allow more room for sidewalks and landscaping.
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
