Townhouse

Description

A small-to medium-sized attached structure that consists of 2 to 16 multi-story dwelling units placed side-by-side. Entries are on the narrow side of the unit and typically face a street or courtyard. The street façades have entrances and avoid garages.

Typical Specifications

Lot Front-loaded Alley-Loaded
Width* N/A 18–25 feet
Depth* 85–120 feet
Area* 1,530–3,000 sq. ft.
  0.04–0.09 acres
Units
Number of Units N/A 1
Typical Unit Size 1,000–3,000 sq. ft.
Density
Net Density N/A 11–25 du/acre
Gross Density 10–22 du/acre
Parking
Parking Ratio* N/A 1–3 per unit
On-street Spaces 1-2
Off-street Spaces 2 per unit max.
Setbacks
Front* 10–25 feet
Side* 0–12 feet
Rear (main building)* 30–60 feet
Between Main and Accessory Buildings 10–20 feet
Building
Building Size
Width 18–25 feet
Depth 35–55 feet
Height (to eave)* 25–40 feet
Floors 2-3.5 stories
* Varies based on context

Idealized specifications take the best characteristics of this type and update them for today’s typical building standards, serving as a model for new development.

Alley Loaded

Ideal Specifications

Lot  
Width 25 feet
Depth 110 feet
Area 2,750 sq. ft.
  0.063 acres
Units
Number of Units 1 unit
Typical Unit Size 1,750 sq. ft
Density
Net Density 16 du/acre
Gross Density 12 du/acre
Parking
Parking Ratio 3.0 per unit
On-street Spaces 1
Off-street Spaces 2
Setbacks
Front 10 feet
Side 0 feet
Building
Width 25 feet
Depth 35 feet
Height (to eave) 28 feet
Floors 2 stories