Residential density is the maximum allowable number of residential dwelling units permitted on a particular site, tract, lot, or other unit of land area, typically expressed as a maximum number of residential units per acre.
A. Calculation.
1. Maximum residential density is calculated by dividing the square footage of a lot by the number of square feet in an acre (43,560), then multiplying the maximum number dwelling units allowed in the zoning district, and rounding the product downwards to remove any fractions.
Example:
Lot size: 52,000 square feet / 43,560 = 1.19 acres.
Zoning district maximum density is 1.08 units per acre: 1.19 x 1.08 = 1.28. Maximum number of residential units = 1 (fractions are rounded downwards).
2. Land area associated with floodplains and riparian buffers may be included in the calculation of the square footage of a tract or site for the purposes of determining the maximum residential density.
3. Land area located within a right-of-way shall not be included in the calculation of allowable density.
B. Density Equivalence.
1. Accessory dwelling units associated with a single-family residential principal use shall not be counted towards the maximum allowable residential density.
2. When calculating the density for a private dormitory associated with an educational use, two bedrooms in a private dormitory shall be equivalent to one regular dwelling unit.
3. Maximum density amounts do not apply to student housing or lodging on college or university campuses when the housing is owned or operated by the college or university. In these instances, residential land uses are considered as an accessory to the college or university principal use.
(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)