This type of land-use regulation permits a range of residential building types beyond single-family detached homes, but typically restricts the intensity of development compared to higher-density zones. Structures allowed might include townhouses, duplexes, small apartment buildings, and courtyard apartments. For example, a zoning code might specify an allowed density of 15-30 dwelling units per acre, allowing for a mix of housing options while maintaining a degree of neighborhood character.
Implementing these regulations can contribute to a more diverse housing supply, potentially addressing affordability challenges within a community. It also can support more efficient use of land and infrastructure, reducing urban sprawl and promoting walkable neighborhoods. Historically, the adoption of these regulations has often been driven by a desire to balance growth with the preservation of existing neighborhood qualities, or to create transition zones between single-family residential areas and more intensely developed commercial or multi-family districts.
