Missing Middle Housing
Missing Middle Housing refers to house-scale buildings with multiple units—duplexes, fourplexes, courtyard apartments, and townhomes—that have been made illegal by modern zoning codes.
Why it's Missing
Zoning laws (specifically R-1 single-family zoning), extreme parking minimums, and setback requirements mathematically prohibit these structures on standard lots.
Why we need it
It provides the exact gentle density required to make public transit viable and municipal balance sheets solvent without drastically altering neighborhood character.
Financial Characteristics
| Typology | Units/Acre | Tax Yield/Acre | Viability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Single Family | 4 | $12k | Insolvent |
| Fourplex (Missing Middle) | 16 | $45k | Solvent |
To see how parking ruins the viability of a fourplex, use our Parking Minimums Cost Calculator or read about Zoning Policy.