§ 15-310. DETERMINING RESIDENTIAL DENSITY.

Residential density measures the number of dwellings on a given unit of land. Residential density shall be calculated as follows:

A.

Residential Single-Family Districts. In Residential Single-Family districts, residential density shall be measured as follows:

1.

Large Sites. For sites with a pre-subdivided area greater than the Maximum Lot Size for the applicable District, residential density shall be measured in dwelling units per net acre of the subdivision. For example, if a project proposes 150 homes on a site with 30 net acres, it has a residential density of five dwelling units per acre (or five du/ac). The net acreage shall be calculated as the land area of a site remaining after dedication of all areas for major streets, schools, regional trails, certified wetlands or floodplains, and land underneath electric transmission lines. Second Dwelling Units, Backyard Cottages, and Accessory Living Quarters shall be excluded from this calculation.

2.

Small Sites. For sites with a pre-subdivided area equal to or less than the Maximum Lot Size for the applicable District, residential density shall be measured in dwelling units per subdivided residential lot. Second Dwelling Units, Backyard Cottages, and Accessory Living Quarters shall be excluded from this calculation.

B.

All Other Districts. In all other districts, residential density shall be measured in dwelling units per acre of the project's site area. For example, if a project proposes 15 dwellings on a three-acre site, it has a residential density of five dwelling units per acre (or five du/ac). Trails and natural features shall be excluded from this calculation. For mixed-use projects, the acreage of the entire project site shall be included in the calculation, including portions of the project site which feature only non-residential uses.

C.

Density Transfers. The number of units per acre prescribed in the applicable plans for an existing or proposed zone district shall not be transferred to another existing or proposed zone district, unless a transfer is approved through the processing of a Planned Development Permit which includes all zone districts involved in the proposed transfer.

(Added Ord. 2015-39, § 1, eff. 1-9-16; Am. Ord. 2017-33, § 2, eff. 7-30-17; Am. Ord. 2018-66, § 2, eff. 1-18-19).