1. What is Dwelling Units per Acre?

Dwelling units per acre (DU/acre) is a measure of residential density that calculates how many housing units are built on one acre of land. It's a key metric in urban planning and zoning regulations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Total\ Units \) — Number of dwelling units (houses, apartments, etc.)
• \( Land\ Acres \) — Total land area in acres

Explanation: This calculation provides the average number of housing units per acre of land, which helps planners assess development density.

3. Importance of DU/Acre Calculation

Details: DU/acre is crucial for zoning decisions, infrastructure planning, and assessing the impact of development on communities and the environment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total number of dwelling units and the land area in acres. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered low, medium, and high density?
A: Typically: Low (1-5 DU/acre), Medium (6-15 DU/acre), High (16+ DU/acre), though definitions vary by location.

Q2: Does this include common areas and roads?
A: Typically uses net land area (excluding roads, open spaces), but some jurisdictions use gross area - check local regulations.

Q3: How does this relate to population density?
A: To estimate population density, multiply DU/acre by average household size for the area.

Q4: What's a typical DU/acre for single-family homes?
A: Single-family zones often range from 1-8 DU/acre, depending on lot sizes.

Q5: How does this differ for mixed-use developments?
A: Mixed-use may calculate residential density separately or combine with commercial floor area ratios.