Denton's Missing Middle Housing

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Missing Middle Housing refers to a range of medium-density housing types that provide diverse living opportunities compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes in a walkable residential setting. This includes housing types such as townhomes, fourplexes, accessory dwelling units, and several others that occupy the middle ground between single-family, detached homes and apartment buildings. While historically common in American towns and cities, changes to zoning laws in the mid-20th century led to them become missing from newer housing stock.


Efforts to refind Missing Middle Housing focus on the benefits to affordability, increased living options, and lasting neighborhood vibrancy these housing types bring. Explore this page to learn about and contribute towards efforts to make Missing Middle Housing viable in Denton.



Current Project: Townhome and ADU Code Updates

The City of Denton is preparing to bring forward Denton Development Code amendments to address regulations relating to Townhome and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), which are two housing types consistent with the purpose and intent of Missing Middle Housing.


Townhomes are one example of middle housing that offers several benefits depending on a resident’s needs, such as lower maintenance, access to walkable areas, or a potential pathway to homeownership. While the Denton 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Design Downtown Denton, and the Affordable Housing Strategic Toolkit encourage townhome development in Denton's infill areas, some current regulations may limit where and how townhomes can be built. Therefore, staff is evaluating possible updates to lot sizes and open space standards to better align with these goals.


Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are another example of housing that can expand options for residents. These smaller units, often located on the same lot as a primary residence, may be used to accommodate family members, provide rental income, or offer aging-in-place solutions. The Affordable Housing Strategic Toolkit and the Southeast Denton Area Plan both identify ADUs as a potential strategy to address housing needs. City staff have identified areas within current regulations that could be revised to improve clarity, such as placement of the ADU on the lot, architectural compatibility, and screening requirements, while simplifying the process for residents and staff.


Additional information regarding the specific amendments being proposed as part of these updates may be found under "Important Documents - Presentation Slides" on the right-hand side of this page. Staff is conducting a survey, which may be found below, to receive public feedback as it relates to the proposed amendments.


Missing Middle Housing refers to a range of medium-density housing types that provide diverse living opportunities compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes in a walkable residential setting. This includes housing types such as townhomes, fourplexes, accessory dwelling units, and several others that occupy the middle ground between single-family, detached homes and apartment buildings. While historically common in American towns and cities, changes to zoning laws in the mid-20th century led to them become missing from newer housing stock.


Efforts to refind Missing Middle Housing focus on the benefits to affordability, increased living options, and lasting neighborhood vibrancy these housing types bring. Explore this page to learn about and contribute towards efforts to make Missing Middle Housing viable in Denton.



Current Project: Townhome and ADU Code Updates

The City of Denton is preparing to bring forward Denton Development Code amendments to address regulations relating to Townhome and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), which are two housing types consistent with the purpose and intent of Missing Middle Housing.


Townhomes are one example of middle housing that offers several benefits depending on a resident’s needs, such as lower maintenance, access to walkable areas, or a potential pathway to homeownership. While the Denton 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Design Downtown Denton, and the Affordable Housing Strategic Toolkit encourage townhome development in Denton's infill areas, some current regulations may limit where and how townhomes can be built. Therefore, staff is evaluating possible updates to lot sizes and open space standards to better align with these goals.


Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are another example of housing that can expand options for residents. These smaller units, often located on the same lot as a primary residence, may be used to accommodate family members, provide rental income, or offer aging-in-place solutions. The Affordable Housing Strategic Toolkit and the Southeast Denton Area Plan both identify ADUs as a potential strategy to address housing needs. City staff have identified areas within current regulations that could be revised to improve clarity, such as placement of the ADU on the lot, architectural compatibility, and screening requirements, while simplifying the process for residents and staff.


Additional information regarding the specific amendments being proposed as part of these updates may be found under "Important Documents - Presentation Slides" on the right-hand side of this page. Staff is conducting a survey, which may be found below, to receive public feedback as it relates to the proposed amendments.


  • Recommended Code Updates for Townhomes and ADUs

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    For a summary of the recommended changes, see the infographics below. For more information, look under Important Documents - Presentation Slides.


  • Missing Middle Housing Types in Denton

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    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.


  • Policy Support for Denton's Missing Middle Housing

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    supporting image

    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)

Page last updated: 17 Oct 2025, 02:53 PM