Build-out - Example Analysis

Example Analysis

A typical analysis of build-out might start with 10 acres (40,000 m2) of land with a proposed density of 4 dwelling units per acre.

1. A simple multiplication (10x4) would produce a build-out of 40 units.
2. A more complex analysis might deduct .75 acres (3,000 m2) for 660 feet (200 m) of 50-foot (15 m) road right-of-way (ROW). This leaves 9.25 acres (37,400 m2) with 37 units allowed.
3. The land might contain 2.25 acres (9,100 m2) of flood plain, a constraint to development. Some communities allow the developer to shift the density elsewhere on the property, keeping the total units at 40. Other communities prohibit density shifting, reducing the target number of units to 31 units.
4. Existing structures will limit the number of additional new dwelling units allowed on the land. If an existing subdivision contains 6 dwelling units, the available capacity is 34 units.
5. Combining these dwelling unit deductions (40-3-9-6) equals 22 dwellings units for residential build-out.