Policy Support for Denton's Missing Middle Housing

Support for Missing Middle Housing in Denton comes from several policy documents that guide the City's growth and changes over the next few decades. These documents are based on rigorous data collection and analysis, extensive community engagement, and professional expertise that were adopted by City Council.

Denton 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Land Use Goal 3 - Grow our Assets: Maintain and Strengthen Neighborhoods, Commercial and Employment Areas

Sub-Goal: Promote the stability and livability of established neighborhoods through the creation of guidelines and standards for compatible infill and the removal of impediments to redevelopment.

Action Step: Identify and remove regulatory impediments to compatible infill and redevelopment.

"Single-family housing and neighborhoods will remain a valuable resource, which should be protected from harmful influences, such as abrupt contrasts of scale and intensity. However, the City should take every opportunity to ensure that as gaps in the neighborhood fabric occur, infill development, that is development of vacant or deteriorated properties will be encouraged, complimenting the scale and character of each neighborhood. Infill development also creates opportunities for more compact forms of development and affordable housing options." (pg. 2-11)

Design Downtown Denton Plan

Goal 3 - Target Development to Build on Downtown’s Character and Assets

Subgoal 3B: Encourage Downtown Living

Proposed Actions: An additional 1,500 units constructed Downtown within the next ten years; 500 of these units should be affordable.

"Adding residential units and additional housing options within the heart of the city will continue to grow Downtown's role as a thriving community where people live, work, and play. Setting a specific housing goal will encourage a diverse mix of residents, foster a lively street life and support local businesses. Moreover, it will contribute to the revitalization of Downtown, breathing new life into historic buildings and encouraging new construction. Ultimately, the addition of residential units Downtown will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while bolstering the economic and cultural vitality of the city as a whole." (pg 78)

Denton Affordable Housing Strategic Toolkit

Strategy 1 - Infill Development

"Infill development refers to the construction of new buildings on vacant or underutilized land in previously developed areas of the City. This includes using smaller home models for very small lots; increasing the variety of housing within more urban neighborhoods to increase walkability and support more neighborhood retail services, and supporting more backyard cottage, garage apartments, and other infill development that can bring new housing options into the community. Revisions to the zoning code can make it easier to produce units and also provide guidance that will result in the types of units the city needs most" (pg. 13)