In new developments, you may notice that homes are sometimes built closer together than in older neighborhoods. This is largely tied to how land is planned and zoned.
A Cities General Plan and Zoning Ordinance establish a maximum density that is allowed for an area, which translates to the number of units per acre that are allowed. In some areas of Dixon, primarily in the mixed use areas, a minimum density is also established. Each development is reviewed for consistency with the maximum density and is approved with a maximum number of homes allowed. Maximum density sets the upper limit of how many homes could be built on that land, but it does not mean every project will reach that maximum. In certain areas, developers often build fewer homes than allowed based on market demand, financing, design preferences or construction costs. In other areas that are typically more developed and have higher land costs, greater density is necessary for a project to be economically viable. This is typically the case with development of infill lots.
The City reviews and approves the overall plan, including density ranges and design standards, but developers are responsible for the specific layout and construction. That’s why spacing, lot sizes and street design can vary from one neighborhood to another.
Projects that are closer together are usually smaller size homes and use less land than more spaced our developments., thereby providing more units on less land. Given that a significant factor in the rent or sales price of a home is the size of the home and cost of land, smaller units on less land are less expensive. This is something that is referred to as affordable by design. In terms of future growth, approved projects represent potential capacity, not guaranteed outcomes. Even when a project is fully entitled, it may be built in phases, adjusted over time or not fully built out depending on economic conditions.