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WCEL
> Issues > Urban Growth and
Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part
3 > Density > What Does Density Look
Like?
Smart Bylaws Guide – What Does Density Look Like?
The look of density all depends on the design of neighbourhoods and specific
buildings. A summary of typical densities is provided below.
Density |
Structure Type |
Density |
1. Rural |
Single Family |
Less than (1 dwelling
unit per ten acres) |
2. Large Lot Suburban |
Single Family |
One unit per (one unit
per 5 acres to 2 dwelling units per acre) |
3.
Suburban |
Single Family |
(2-10 dwelling units
per acre) |
4. Traditional
Neighbourhood |
- Compact single family
|
(10-20 units per acre) |
- Single family with suite
|
(17-24 units per acre) |
- Multifamily with single family
appearance
|
(12-22 units per acre) |
- Rowhousing
|
15-40 units per acre) |
5. Medium Density |
Multifamily walk-up
and apartments (2-4 stories) |
(20-50 units per acre) |
6. High Density |
Multifamily apartment
with elevator |
(50+ units per acre) |
7.
Suburban Office Park |
One to two story
commercial or manufacturing |
(0.3-0.5 floor space
ratio) |
8. Downtown Commercial |
- Up to four stories
|
(1.0-3.5 floor space
ratio) |
- Highrise
|
(3.5-20 floor space
ratio) |
The following residential development patterns all achieve the livability
goals outlined in this Smart Bylaws Guide. They use adequate densities to
support public transit, neighbourhood commercial development, and more diverse
housing forms that promote affordability. They also fit into most residential
neighbourhoods in BC - from small towns to large cities - and are examples of
good housing design.
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Single-family conversion to four units |
Fourplex |
|
 |
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Ground-oriented multifamily |
Rowhouses |
For More Information on
What Density Can Look Like
This
View of Density
Visualizing Density: A Catalogue Illustrating the Density of
Residential Neighbourhoods:
Aerial densities (Thanks to
Christina DeMarco and Bob Denboer of the Greater Vancouver Regional
District for developing and permission to use these aerial
photographs and descriptions.)
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