Missing Middle Housing Types in Denton

Missing Middle Housing refers to a range of medium-density housing types that provide diverse living opportunities designed to fit comfortably in existing walkable single-family neighborhoods. This page discusses those housing types that can be found in Denton. Use the City of Denton Zoning Map to view where the housing types are allowed.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

An ADU is a subordinate dwelling unit on a single-family, detached house lot. The ADU can be attached to or detached from the primary house. ADUs are allowed in all residential zoning districts (RR - R7) and the Mixed-Use Neighborhood (MN) zoning district.

**The Townhome and ADU Code Updates project may change the standards and zoning for ADUs. See the Recommend Code Updates for Townhomes and ADUs page for more information.**

Duplex

A duplex is a residential building with two dwelling units. Only one building is allowed per lot, and each unit has its own outside entrance. The units are usually side-by-side . In Denton, a duplex being built in R4 zoning district requires City Council approval, but would be allowed in residential zoning districts R6 and R7 and in the mixed-use zoning districts (MN, MD, and MR).

Townhome

A townhome is a single dwelling unit attached to other units in groups of three to eight per building. Each unit is on its own lot, and garages face an alley at the back of the lot. In Denton, a townhome being built in R4 zoning district requires City Council approval, but would be allowed in residential zoning districts R6 and R7 and in the mixed-use zoning districts (MN, MD, and MR).

Triplex

A triplex is a residential building with three dwelling units. Only one building is allowed per lot, and each unit has its own outside entrance. The units can be side-by-side or stacked on top of each other up to the zoning district's maximum building height. In Denton, a triplex would be allowed in residential zoning districts R6 and R7 and in the mixed-use zoning districts (MN, MD, and MR).

Fourplex

A fourplex is a residential building with four dwelling units. Only one building is allowed per lot, and each unit has its own outside entrance. The units can be side-by-side or stacked on top of each other up to the zoning district's maximum building height. In Denton, a triplex would be allowed in residential zoning districts R6 and R7 and in the mixed-use zoning districts (MN, MD, and MR).

Work/Live Dwelling

A work/live dwelling is a building with an integrated dwelling unit and working space. The resident must own and operate the working space. In Denton, a work/live dwelling would be allowed in the Rural Residential (RR) and R7 zoning districts, mixed-use zoning districts (MN, MD, and MR), and the Suburban Corridor (SC) zoning district. A work/live dwelling in the Highway Corridor (HC) and General Office (GO) zoning districts require City Council approval.

Cottage Courts and Multiplexes

A cottage court is a residential use described as a group of small, detached structures arranged around a shared court. A multiplex is described as a residential building with 5-12 dwelling units typically with a shared entrance from the street. Both housing types are not defined uses in the Denton Development Code but could be built under the definition and design standards for the Multifamily Dwelling land use. In Denton, a multifamily dwelling would be allowed in the mixed-use zoning districts (MN, MD, and MR). A multifamily dwelling being built in the residential R7 zoning district, the corridor zoning districts (SC and HC), and the General Office (GO) zoning district would require City Council approval.